Bug Wings: Flying On An iDevice Near You
Bug Wings ($1.99) by DR Studios is an amusing game with cute bugs, simulated flight control, and wonderful music. Bug Wings will challenge your skill and dexterity as you try to collect pollen and stars, then safely land your bug on a lily pad.
The game begins by telling you a story about the bugs and their need for pollen. However, figuring out how to start the game is not explained very well. Kids under the age of 10 probably will have no issue figuring it out, but I, as an adult was looking for the directions on how to get started.
Once you figure it out and begin playing, you choose your bug and are taken into the pond. There are two modes to play, either solo (single player) or party (multiplayer). In either mode, players can choose what color bug they would like to be.
To begin, launch your bug into the air from a leaf by pulling the leaf backwards. Once your bug is airborne, tap him and his wings will open so you can control his flight. This control is done by either tilting your device or using the touch option. The touch option uses a small square that's almost like a track pad to control the flight. These controls may be changed under the option menu.
As you fly your bug along, pick up the blue stars and the orange pollen icons along the way. These all earn your little bug points. The most important part of the game is to land on the lily pad and not in the water.
In order for the tilt controls to work properly, you need to hold your device vertically, like a steering wheel. Then you can go up, down, right or left. This is similar to other flight control games.
The music is fantastic, like an animated film score. The graphics provide an almost 3D effect as your bug soars through the air. They were so good; I almost became dizzy after several minutes of play. Again, probably not an issue for the young ones!
I did find the game a little challenging when trying to perceive my depth of field while flying my bug. At first I landed in the water when trying to collect the pollen; it was easy to underestimate the height and the position of it. With more practice this became easier, but not without a few landings in the drink, which quickly ended the level.
Bug Wings has great replay value, because you can always go back and try to beat your previous score. This is a fun, family game for all ages and definitely worth the inexpensive price tag for the sharp graphics and enjoyable features.
