Gears Is A Graphic Adventure That Is Worth Checking Out
Gears ($1.99) by Crescent Moon Games is a game that creates an amazing challenge as you navigate a maze through different platforms and gears. This unique app is enjoyable and brings a refreshing option to the iPhone and iPad. The graphics are stunning, and the music is beautiful. Gears is delightfully different than many other games in the App Store.
To play Gears, you control your ball by either using your finger to swipe, or through calibrated tilt controls. You need to accurately guide your ball through a maze of platforms and moving gears to reach the end and move up to the next level. The game really depends on the control of your ball and the tilt or swipe method is chosen prior to starting the game.
It is nice that there are options for the level of difficulty. This helps to “cheat” you through a level. A couple of times I found myself going into the settings and selecting the easy level without a timer, this allowed me to slowly work through that level. If you fall off a maze and you are over halfway through it, your ball will resume at a mid-point within the maze versus the beginning. This is a nice, and very appreciated feature, especially after all the work it takes to get to that point.
Although there were many features I enjoyed about Gears, I am not sure this app is quite there yet. In the reviews so far, it seems like people absolutely love or really dislike this game. One could make strong arguments for either opinion.
I personally was bored after a bit, because the object of the game was just to get through the levels and earn points. I did not discover any surprises or opportunities that kept me engaged. The tilt and swipe controls are acceptable, but they definitely have room for improvement. There were times that I noticed inconsistency in movement, but I think it is better than what the critics are saying. For me, the tilt mode seemed a little more challenging.
At one point I was stuck on a level and I had to keep replaying it. I finally got through, but there was no option for a hint, or something that would have helped me move on. When Angry Birds added this feature to their game (the Eagle you can purchase for $.99), I thought it was a great idea. It's nice to know there are options to move up in the game, versus getting frustrated and giving up.
Gears has a lot of potential. I hope a future update will address many of the complaints people are expressing in the App Store reviews. I am hopeful this game will only get better and I will keep a close watch on it. It definitely has some fun factor, and with Gears being so new, I imagine it will indeed improve. For the low cost of the game, it is worth the download, so check it out for yourself and see what you think!
