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Review: Ragdoll Blaster 2 - Is This a Good Sequel?

March 5, 2010

Overview

Ragdoll Blaster is one of the most successful iPhone games of all time, so it made perfect sense for Backflip Studios to make a sequel. The main gameplay is intact, and now there are upgrades to everything else with the most noticeable difference the visuals. In Ragdoll Blaster you fire ragdolls from cannons, and try to hit targets that are in varying locations with multiple hazards and contraptions in your way.

Features

Nearly 140 levels are included not counting the tutorial levels, split into 9 rooms of 15 levels, with a few bonus at the end. The game is all about using the power of the cannon, the ragdoll physics, and your puzzle solving skill to reach the target using the fewest number of ragdolls. Some levels require quick timing while others are slow methodical head scratchers, and there are levels requiring a lot of fired ragdolls. There are many new types of levels with new elements. You have to deal with springs, bombs, ice, zero gravity, gravity pulls, and transporters to name a few. Plus+ is also included for online high score tables for each of the rooms based upon the number of ragdolls shot. Over 30 achievements are also included for varying degrees of skill.

The Good

The game is billed as improving on everything of the first, and in actually playing the game I can confirm their assertion. The biggest improvement is the gameplay which was already solid. Now the ragdoll physics engine is really well done with the limp bodies maneuvering through tight squeezes appropriately. Not only is the ragdoll physics engine improved, but so are the intricacies of every level. Each level is more deluxe with much more variability. Whether you're playing in a Cogs type contraption, in the ice, or out in space most levels present a whole new challenge. This is what a physics puzzle should be like with engaging fast action fun requiring you to think. It's such a different concept for score to be based upon the number of shots, but thats what makes it so good trying to do so much with so little. One neat thing is that the titles of each level give you a little hint of what you need to do to complete the level. The game's visual style feels like a cross between Little Big Planet and Cogs. The ragdolls are cute sack people, but their design is overshadowed by the beautiful backgrounds. On top of that all of the animations are supremely well done from the geared level select menu to the firing of the ragdolls. Once you complete a level, all of the pieces explode away which is such a deluxe animation to witness. The included soundtrack is nice to listen to with a lot of variation. It fits the tinkering feel of the entire game perfectly. The cannon blasts are deluxe booms, and the ragdolls occasionally make noises as they're fired. With nearly 140 levels you'll be blasting ragdolls for a long time to come, and enjoying every shot. You will want to complete all the levels once you get started, and then Plus+ is included for extra motivation. There are high score tables for each room, and tons of awards. The firing mechanic works extremely well by just dragging away from the cannon to determine your shot's force and direction. The controls melt away so they never get in the way or hamper solving a puzzle.

The Bad

Ragdoll Blaster 2 is great, but it's not perfect. One thing is that when you're stumped, you're stumped. If you can't figure out a level you're sol, and will be stuck in a room if this happens on a few levels. Also the initial levels are a little repetitive so you need to have a little patience and get into the game to see the true fun and variability. The later levels become extremely tough, and feel more like you have to spam the contraption with ragdolls rather than solving any puzzles.

The Verdict

Ragdool Blaster 2 improves on everything in the original giving you such a more deluxe and engrossing experience that is puzzling and still fun. This is one of the best physics puzzles in the App Store, and has great production values to boot. There are tons and tons of levels with all kinds of contraptions as well as online high scores and awards. For $2.99 it's a must buy that will have you enjoying every minute of all the minutes you're sure to put into this game.

Mentioned apps

$0.99
Ragdoll Blaster - A Physics Puzzler
Ragdoll Blaster - A Physics Puzzler
Backflip Studios
Free
Cogs
Cogs
Chillingo Ltd
Free
iBlast Moki
iBlast Moki
Godzilab
$2.99
Implode! XL
Implode! XL
IUGO Mobile Entertainment Inc.

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