Review: Dizzypad HD - Free with In App Purchases
by Staff Writer
May 14, 2010
Overview
Dizzypad has leaped on to the iPad in a Free HD version which is the same game as the $1.99 iPhone version, but it runs natively on the iPad, and it’s free. Also included are three additional gameplay modes which are available via in app purchases for $1.99 each. The new modes are sliders, memory, and battle so read on to find out if you should spend any money in this free app.
Features
In classic Dizzypad you play as a frog, and you tap to jump from lily pad to lily pad as the lily pads spin 360 degrees. If you skip a pad it’s worth a life, and you try to jump as far as you can. Slider mode has the same basic mechanic, but instead of the lily pads spinning they slide back and forth so you have to line up your jump appropriately. Memory mode is the classic game of memory where you try to find all the pairs, this time just with frogs. Finally, battle mode gives you head to head multiplayer on one iPad where you try to land on the lily pad of your opponent to eat them, and the first to three wins. Plus+ is also included for online high scores and achievements with the achievements connected to unlockable frogs with 30 in total.
The Good
Dizzypad HD provides the same amount of fun as the iPhone version, but looks even more amazing running on the iPad. The game provides the great looks of Koi Pond with the addictive fun of casual endless. This is a game that you’ll keep coming back to, and will have fun each time you play it plus you get to go for online highs scores, achievements, and new frogs. The best aspect is that you get this amazingly enjoyable game in a beautiful package that goes for $1.99 on the iPhone, for absolutely free on the iPad. Now every iPad owner should download this app as it’s free, but the question is whether to spend money via in app purchases.
Classic mode by itself is more fun, and easier to play on the iPad, and as soon as you play it, you’ll want to play Sliders mode. Sliders is even more enjoyable than classic mode, and requires a whole new strategy. Rather than lining up one spinning lily you have to line up two sliding lilies to match up where you jump from to where you’re jumping to.
When you jump you need to take into account how the lily pads are moving, and need to jump to a point where the lily pad will slide beneath you rather than jumping directly at it. This mode allows for more fast paced fun, and is more prone to collecting a number of flowers. Sliders is a great purchase for $1.99 as it provides a whole new game that is more fun than classic. It’s better when you consider that you get classic and sliders for only $1.99.
Memory mode is a simple game that many people have played before. There are really no differences except the skinning of the game, but that doesn’t mean it’s still not plenty of fun. There are 15 pairs to uncover, and the game is scored based upon the number of touches adding a very difficult element if you’re going for the online high scores or achievements.
Memory mode always presents a random game though it would be great to have a head to head component to see who gets the most matches. A memory game for $1.99 just isn’t worth it as it’s too simple with not much in the way of replay.
Battle mode may be the best mode of the bunch by giving you head to head action using the classic spinning lily pad style. You’re given a randomly assorted square of lily pads, and you and your opponent hop around looking to land on the lily pad of the other to eat them and win the round. If you have someone to play with on your iPad this mode is well worth $1.99 that can have you playing it over and over with anyone you can find.
