Handle With Care: Slice Comes To The iPhone And iPod Touch
April 26, 2011
Back in February, SmallBall released the iPad-optimized Slice HD, a puzzle game of cutting edge creativity. For those who didn't happen to notice last week, Slice SD brings the intense fun to the iPhone and iPod touch user base.
Slice is an interesting concept for a puzzle game, adding a bit of the horror genre in a simulation sort of way. Our own Bryan Wolfe states that the experience reminds him of the Saw films, but I'd add that it has a Dexter-type feel. If those references weren't a hint, this game may not be appropriate for children or those easily unsettled by blood.
The game involves manipulating very sharp -- virtual, of course -- objects in a clever manner that reveals access to buttons. The player must move these knives, etc with their fingers precisely, or you'll cut your virtual hands. Slice SD and Slice HD are not intensely gory but there is a brief blood splattering, where it does seem fairly realistic as if slicing your own fingertips.
Most blades and other sharp objects must be turned, pushed, or pulled to make access to the red buttons, however, some of the dangerous tools are automated; requiring some serious problem solving. Touch the edge of the blades or get your fingertip in the way of a moving one and game over.
Controls are multi-touch, allowing the use of both hands and as many fingers as needed. A button only needs to be pushed once, and certain buttons and movements must be performed in a particular order to complete a level. There are 33 levels to complete in Slice HD with "more on the way."
Slice SD is designed for iPhone and iPod touch running iOS 3.2 or later, and available in the App Store for $1.99. Due to the expanded multi-touch support, Slice SD may not operate as expected if Accessibility features are enabled.