Quick Look: Anaglyphs! for iPhone
In the increasingly crowded iPhone App Store, it’s more important than ever to make sure that if you’re going to release a game, it has something that others of its type doesn’t. Anaglyphs! scores a big plus in that category, as it is the first (and probably only) memory game for your iPhone that has a 3D mode! Unfortunately, you take away the novelty of 3D, and the game is really just another memory game – and quite honestly, I’ve played some that are more interesting (Memogascar comes to mind).
The game plays out on a 4×4 grid, and you keep playing until you hit a level where the timer runs out before you complete all of your matches. You score points for each match you make, and multiple matches in a row net you combo bonus points. I think it would have served the game well if the board size increased every few levels. It would certainly up the challenge some and add a bit of diversity to the game. Where the challenge seems to come from instead is that a lot of times there are several different images that are similar in appearance. Honestly, for me that was more frustrating than challenging. There is a Best Time mode, which has you play one level over and over again, continually trying to beat your best time at clearing the board. This mode lost its appeal for me rather quickly.
The Winter Theme
Since the selling point of this game is 3D, you would expect the visuals to be the area where the game really shines, right? The background images are pretty decent, especially on the winter theme (there are 2 3D themes, Winter and Classic, and a 2D theme for those without 3D glasses). The images on the cards themselves are a bit simplistic, probably to aid in the 3D effect. There are also some minor special effects when you get a chain combo or complete a level, but these effects really lose something if you’re not playing in 3D mode. Overall I thought the 3D effects was well done, I just wasn’t overly impressed with the images themselves. The sound effects were decent enough, but there was no background music, and I think the game could really have used some.
This is a tough call for me. If it weren’t for the 3D aspect I would probably not recommend it. However, the 3D is pretty cool (it reminds me of the Viewmaster I used to play with when I was a kid). And, it is only 99 cents, so you get to see some nifty 3D effects for a cheap price. Just be warned that the actual game play probably won’t keep you interested for long.
Final Verdict: On The Fence
App Store Link
App Shopper Link
[Note: image courtesy of App Shopper]
Tags: Anaglyphs, Boiled Goose, Eric Pankoke, Quick Look, review, technobrains
