iPad & iPhone App Review: Ozone HD - Save The Ozone
by Staff Writer
July 5, 2010
iPad & iPhone Version
Overview Ozone is a puzzle platformer where you float through the worlds to the exit point. You play as an orb that powers it's movement by releasing air, and if you run out of air its game over. In each level you need to collect the gold orbs while making it through the pathway to the finish and avoiding all kinds of enemies.
Features
There are 50 levels across four worlds, earth, vulcan, ocean, and space. The game is presented with 3D modeling, and is loaded with deluxe artwork and soundtrack. There are online high scores, and you can create your own levels with a computer level editor.
The Good
It's tough to come by a unique experience in the App Store, but Ozone has all the makings to be one. You'll instantly be drawn to the mesmerizing visuals that are able to hold your attention in their own right. As you're floating about there is a jet of air from the direction you move, and every time you bounce off the wall it lights up.
The soundtrack goes hand and hand with the visuals to create the entire environment. There is a subtle, but very deluxe soundtrack that is combined with sound effects from hitting off the walls. It engrosses your sense of sight and sound so well that may make it worth it just for that.
A game is still first and foremost about the gameplay which is solid puzzle platforming fun. In every level you need to go through the maze avoiding spikes and enemies while collecting all the gold orbs. There are keys and warp galaxies which you will need to use to figure out the puzzle aspect of the level.
One especially unique factor is the strategy required in maintaining air to be able to survive throughout the level. It depletes pretty quickly, especially when dealing with enemies so you will have to be wise in your movements. It's not a game of simply getting through as quickly as possible as you'll run out of air for sure.
It's more of a slow and steady pace including trying to bounce off walls to maintain air levels. There are multiple power-ups along the way to go on the offensive with enemies, open up new corridors in the level, and replenish air supplies. There are online high scores through the game's own servers which are available per world and overall.
The Bad
The controls are the biggest problem with the game simply because it's not as precise as you would expect. You can't turn quickly or precisely, and sometimes your finger slips off the small directional button whether on the iPhone or iPad. Even with the brake button there isn't much precision allowed by the controls.
When firing upon enemies it's plenty difficult as aiming and movement are tied together which can run you into an enemy before you make contact with a shot. The game is somewhat slow moving because of the style, and of the fifty levels the objectives meld together. It seems to always be the same thing because it is the same thing of collecting the gold orbs using warps, power-ups, keys.
The biggest challenge seems to be dealing with the controls rather than the gameplay itself. The challenge is minimized simply by the repetition of dealing with the same obstacles and striving for the same objectives.
The Verdict
iPad version The iPad and iPhone version are practically the same as is the case of many apps. The iPad version features even grander graphics, and even more of an engrossing pastime. Both versions of Ozone came out at the same time so it really just depends on what idevice you have, and which you prefer to play on. There is no need to buy both versions. Ozone HD is worth it for $4.99 providing a solid puzzle platformer experience with an amazing style.
iPhone version
The iPhone version is great for the smaller screen, and mazes out what can be done on the device. The controls are problematic on both versions despite two different layouts. There is still a lot to be done across 50 levels, and it comes in such a great package.
Ozone is worth it for $2.99 providing the same qualities as the iPad version above, just on the iPhone. Ozone is recommended, and it just depends on what idevice you have.
