iPad App BreakDown: Thumpies XL
Thumpies XL ($4.99) by Big Blue Bubble is an extremely unique rhythm based game where you tap on various drums as the Thumpies land on them. The Thumpies include characters that are a paradoxical mix of cute and creepy that look like a haunted version of Chuzzle. The Thumpies fly in from the top, and bounce from drum to drum to make a beat, and you have to tap as they bounce on the drum to play that note.
The game itself: The iPad version of Thumpies is known as Thumpies XL as it has taken full advantage of the larger screen. The same songs are included, and the Thumpies jump in exactly the same way from drum to drum. The difference is that the perspective has changed making it portrait as well as 3D.
Now the Thumpies jump between drums that are recessed in the distance, and they jump at greater heights with the portrait perspective on the big iPad screen. Every Thumpie movement has been redesigned for the iPad even with the same songs, and movement order. On top of that the game runs at iPad native resolution, and definitely looks great in comparison.
With the new perspective it makes it a whole new game with a whole new challenge for each of the songs. The game for the iPhone is already great, and the iPad is definitely better with an iPad native version of Thumpies. It's such an amazing experience like no other as it creates a whole new rhythm based experience as you're playing unique beats that combine to form a great song piece by piece.
Rather than tapping on notes coming down a chain you tap on drums when the Thumpies bounce to them. The new interface for the iPad takes the game completely out of a line of drums, and now they're all over the screen as you tap in three dimensions. Then there are the cute and creepy Thumpies that are some of the greatest characters in any game in the App Store.
The iPad version also features a versus mode which is more of a co-op mode as you can play any of the songs with a partner, and the screen is split in half. Some Thumpies bound on your half, and some bounce on the other, and you work together to lay the same beats. It makes Thumpies even better than before if you have a friend you can play the great music with.
Thumpies XL is one of the best music based apps in the App Store, and not just a great game. If you like Rock Band or Tap Tap Revenge then you'll love Thumpies, as it's better than both. The iPad version gives you a whole new perspective to the rhythm based game, and it's coupled with great songs to play.
The game is wonderfully designed, and has the great unique characters, Thumpies. The new co-op play is great to play with someone rather than the same song against someone. Thumpies XL is a should buy for $4.99.
If you own the iPhone version: If you already own the iPhone version I'm sure you've had a great time with it. The iPad version is still a good purchase as there's a whole new perspective for each of the songs. Also the included co-op mode is great if you have someone to play with.
With that said the iPhone version looks pretty good running at 2x, and I don't know if it's worth an additional $5 for the features mentioned above. If you've played all the songs in the iPhone version you will find no new beats, so probably not worth new money.
If you only own an iPad: If you only own an iPad, and you want a music based app, Thumpies is a great purchase. It's the best rhythm based game on the iPad, and is even better than Magic Piano for a general music app. It's a brand new experience that is great on the iPad though it's quite challenging.
Luckily there are three gameplay modes for skills of all potentials players. It's a should buy for $4.99.
If you never bought the iPhone version: If you never bought the iPhone version please read our full review. Thumpies is superior to Rock Band and Tap Tap Revenge giving you a whole new rhythm based game experience.
