Crazy Escape Review (iOS)

Every review that focuses on a path drawing game will inevitably, and justifiably reference the excellent Flight Control, on which the genre's resurgence seems to have been built. So it is Flight Control which we must thank for this latest addition to the canon of path drawing games, from Bulky Pix - which adds wonderful charm and cartoonishness, and a slightly bonkers premise to make a wholly enjoyable gaming experience. The game, which pits the player as a pair of jeep-driving penguins who must rescue a herd of sheep which have been captured by a pack of frankly quite dense wolves, manoeuvring through a collection of increasing inhospitable environments that throw in treacherous terrain and more immediate threats as the game progresses. In order to guide the geographically removed penguins, the player must simply drag their finger across the map, avoiding obstacles and collecting both sheep and stars on the way, all the while dodging those pesky wolves. Sounds simple, and there is a lot to be said of the game's apparent simplicity - the early levels are very accessible for players who might not be familiar with the genre, and there is definitely a feel of easing in, without too many horribly obvious and stultifying in-game instructions that can more often than not spoil modern releases. But then it all gets a little bit trickier: first up is the introduction of the Leader of the Pack, who chases the penguin filled jeep along the player-drawn path with uncomfortable speed, sometimes herding sheep before him, and sometimes dragging them behind. These captive sheep must also be rescued, which usually requires cunning, tactical overlapping of the path and courageous pauses with the rabid pursuer hotly closing in. Next up, the game throw in some padlocked sheep, which each require a key (only one of which can be carried at any one time) to make things a little more complex, and then uncooperative terrain, like mud which precipitates a level-ending crash if the jeep is turned too sharply or too quickly. What with all of the obstacles, and the impediments to moving either too fast or too slow, Crazy Escape becomes more about a measured approach with the impetus on brains rather than frantic pace and a gung-ho attitude. And the addition of the collectible stars, which unlock bonus levels incrementally adds a further level of replayability when the more than 90 levels are beaten (assuming you can achieve a gold standard on each as well). My one reservation is that on a smaller iOS device - like my own iPod Touch - it is quite easy for your finger to block out the map, which becomes especially frustrating on the bonus maze levels that require small fluid movements, and which adds far more mistakes than would presumably happen on the larger screen of the iPad.

Overall, it is a very good addition to the path drawing genre - the cartoony graphics and character designs add a lot of charm, while making the more complex, frustrating levels funny enough to warrant repeated plays. With 90 plus levels, and three levels of achievement on each level (ranked bronze, silver and gold), plus the collectible element of the stars, this is an iOS game that defies the usually disposable tag of this sort of game. And thanks to the short playtime of each level, it is one which can be dipped into frequently as the gamer desires. Definitely worth the cover price and more. Crazy Escape is available to download now from the App store for just 69p!