Developer: Semi Secret Software
Publisher: Semi Secret Software
The most simplified control systems often breed pure brilliance in terms of gameplay, and games do not get more simple than Canabalt, the indie internet sensation.
Simple black and white visuals, a haunting and thrilling soundtrack that just works, and a simple premise: jump over things and between buildings to try and escape from a nondescript disaster. You only need one finger to play this game.
The on-screen avatar automatically runs across the rooftops of buildings after you’ve escaped your office, and all you need to do is tap the screen or your spacebar to make him jump at the appropriate moment. Timing is everything though, or else you may find yourself on the receiving end of a faceful of alien meat grinder, or a very steep drop and instant death.
It’s simple, effective and highly addictive, seemingly neverending, but you know you’re going to die soon, so the best you can hope for is quite a long run and a half decent score.
Whether it’s to kill some time on the train, or just a part of your gaming schedule, any self-respecting iPhone or iTouch owner should not be without this, or you should at least play the game for free online if you don’t own either.
mynameisblair (75)
wick15 (17)
toutski (14)
Daywalker (13)
gazzagb (12)
I think you summed it up pretty well, but 9/10? It’s pretty good for a free game but even then I wouldn’t say it’s worthy of a 9 – let alone the price to get it on the iPhone/Touch.
…All in my humble opinion, of course.
The brilliance lies in the simplicity. if I didn’t think it deserved a 9, I’d have scored it lower, but the score doesn’t matter so much as the recommendation.
But don’t you think there’s a line between being simple/addictive and empty/repetitive?
I thought it was good, but got boring after a while (probably cause I’m not very good at it).
Also, nice to see the rating graphics in use! =D
Whether you find it simple/addictive or empty/repetitive is entirely down to personal opinion. The best way to decide on this game is to play it on your PC.
I think it’s a good game to kill some time with and has a certain charm about it. It’s quite like the helicopter game in that you’re always thinking “Just one more go…” and you end up finding you’ve lost a few hours to it!
Could you give me a link to the helicopter game?
And if I ever play a ‘Tower Defense’ one I realise after three hours, when I look at the time, that I haven’t eaten or went to the bathroom… so I guess this one just wasn’t for me.
Sure thing, here it is:
http://www.addictinggames.com/helicopter.html
I love tower defense games, I spent hours playing Desktop Tower Defense 1.2.