Review: Tiki Towers 2 - Like A Barrel Of Monkeys
by Staff Writer
January 26, 2011
Overview
Monkeys need to climb, and you need to build the structures for them to climb on in this physics puzzle structure building sequel. Now you must traverse through the monkey island and defeat the gorilla dictator, and get the ceremonial masks back from the gorilla dictator. The game has you building bridges out of bamboo, coconuts, and vines so the monkeys can swing across gaps to the end point in each level.
Features
There are 30 new puzzles included that traverse through the island of the gorilla dictator. There are new elements as well with multiple exits, special items, and additional tools like magnets, bolts, and bouncy vines. Tiki Towers 2 is universal for all iOS devices, and Game Center is also included for achievements.
The Good
If you liked the original you will definitely like the sequel as for the most part it is more of the same. If you’re new to the game it plays similarly to World of Goo though Tiki Towers is more based on bridges than upright structures. Also the game is more thought provoking as the structure needs to be completely stable before letting the monkeys on it.
You need to make sure the structure is solid enough for five monkeys to swing across it while trying to collect bananas along the way. You don’t get to make changes along the way, and if it doesn’t look like it will work or if it collapses it’s time to start over. Thankfully the game saves your last layout for quick changes.
The game is easy enough to control as you simply drag your finger from the structure to add a new section. Tiki Towers 2 has the same goofy art style that is bursting with color on detail whether on iPhone or iPad. The theme track also fits the overall theme of the game, and it will have you choosing to listen to it over your own music.
The story is a nice addition to the series, and 30 levels is plenty because you will need to replay quite a few to beat them. It’s also nice having the map display to select levels as it shows that you’re traveling, and really seems like a journey of a platformer or adventure game. The new elements like vines, magnets, and bolts change the gameplay a bit adding even more challenge, and overall difficulty is high for the game.
Maybe the best aspect of the game is watching the monkeys swing across the structure, and seeing each joint of the structure bend under the pressure. The entire time you’re just hoping the structure doesn’t break, though all of the animations even in failure are amusing. Another good aspect is that you can complete a level with some mistakes because the monkeys are acrobatic enough to make up for some of your errors.
The Bad
Though the map display is nice one problem is that if you get stuck on a level you can’t advance. The original let you skip around, and unlock new sets without completing every single level just in case of an especially difficult level for you. Sometimes the controls are a little finicky around precise placement, and you can add a section to a wrong part when there are separate elements or multiple structures.
Tiki Towers 2 isn’t the most innovative game, but offers up enough to warrant a whole new game based on the original. It may be a bit too challenging for some, and frustration will definitely ensue.
The Verdict
Tikit Towers 2 offers up more of the structure building physics puzzle action from the original. The game is nicely designed even if it isn’t very unique, and simply gets the job done of a well made game. The story and challenge may be the most unique aspects, and is one physics puzzle game that truly relies on the puzzle aspect though it does have some fun monkey action too.
Tiki Towers 2 is worth picking up for $2.99 whether you liked the original or never heard of it.
