Don't Stop Falling With Cool Bean
Cool Bean ($0.99) by Any Bros is an addictive arcade game filled with hours of gameplay. There are many successful games for iOS, and it doesn’t surprise me to see new games trying to build on their ideas. I’m sure we all remember Papi Jump and Doodle Jump; well this game isn’t too different from those.
Users control a tiny “Cool Bean,” with a jetpack attached to it. I know, it does seem a little odd. The controls are simple, tilt your device right and left to move in those directions, and tap to use the jetpack. Now, unlike Doodle Jump and other similar titles, instead of trying to move in an upward direction, users are descending.
Usually falling in a game indicates that you have lost, but this appears to be the main goal. The game scores you depending on how far you can fall without dying. But, then you might ask yourself; if you’re already falling, how do I die?
While descending through the level, users must avoid blocks and different objects. Among those different objects you’ll encounter various dangerous creatures. Very similar to Doodle Jump, however, you must use the flame from your jetpack to eliminate them, or the obvious alternative, just avoid them. As you progress in the game it becomes necessary to eliminate enemies, and not just avoid them. In addition to possibly encountering a dangerous monster, users can also fall too fast. In which case your character will fall below the screen and you will also die.
Cool Bean does offer something completely new to any free falling/jumping title. When users die they have the opportunity to redeem themselves in what is called “Afterlife.” They use your score as the goal for how long you must last in order to come back to life. For example, if you have made it to 5,000 then in Afterlife you will start at 5,000 and have to survive until it reaches zero. Now, if you don’t make it out of Afterlife, you do die for good.
Overall Cool Bean offers a new twist on a classic concept. Even though the idea isn’t completely new, there is plenty of potential for this title. With exciting new features, such as jet packs and second chances, you’re going to enjoy this one for hours.
