Computer games are a new
invention when it comes to mankind evolution, but even though they are
relatively short-lived, a several generations of portable entertainment can now
be defined. Also, the first batch of computer geeks are now well in their
forties, so there are at least two, or maybe even three newer generations are
following them.
A lot has changed since the early
eighties and the boom of arcades, ’’spectrums’’ and ’’commodores’’. Hardware
has grown stronger and keeps getting smaller and smaller. The games have
evolved as well, from really simple graphics of the first platform games to
complex strategies and virtual reality.
The market is also rapidly
shifting, so now the main source of portable amusement is your mobile phone.
All round the world, tens of thousands of programmers are working their heads
off trying to compete and, at least, to get noticed in the global humming of
ideas and creativity.
With such a flux of information, how can one
simple, yet catchy and demanding retro platform find its way to your precious
phone?
The answer is maybe not so
logical, but really quite straightforward and easy.
By going backwards.
’’Ironwood studio’’, a small, but
thriving software company did just that with its second creation, ’’Diggy Loot’’. Combining the well proven, but somehow neglected genre of platform with
some fresh and pleasant graphics, they have succeeded in one of the ultimate
goals of gamers.
They have bridged generations of gamers.
Yes, some will say that the
adventures of a likeable professor whose treasure is being stolen by the evil
time witch is a plot from the past and they will probably be right. But, that’s
only if you stop after watching the trailer for game. If you give
’’Diggy loot’’ a chance, it will guide you through a total of 200 levels,
divided in two main segments, each featuring a different combination of
subplots and possibilities.
if that won’t satisfy your needs,
the really addictive gaming of the levels themselves surely will. Again, the
core idea is simple, revolving around a free moving main character, who can move
to the obstacles by going left, right, up or down. The influence of legendary
’’Super Mario’’ franchise is here clearly visible, but ’’Diggy loot’’ isn’t
just a plain copy-paste. Moving the Professor won’t be so easy like the older
generations of platform arcades, since he won’t be able to jump and falling more
than two steps will kill him. Creators of this video game will actually create
a mix of platform and strategy, forcing the player to think several moves ahead
of the actual movement.
At first, those steps will be
easily predictable and achievable, but things will get pretty interesting
already in the bottom third of first set of levels. With looming dangers and
possibilities to overtake them growing with each new table, addictivness will
kick in with full force on the second part of the game. However, the creators
won’t be torturing you with impossible tasks and there will always be the easy
way out with game-assisted help. The way you probably won’t use, because of the
overall feeling of retro challenge of some past times.
Much of that will fall on the back
of a really pleasant and discreetly crafted visual identity of ’’Diggy loot’’. Graphic
artists worked their hands off on this one, managing to give birth to one of more
successful compromises between simplicity and creativity. All of the
characters are clearly distinctable in their appearance, despite their sheer
size on screen. This will enhanced by the really meticulously designed and
drawn inter-level sequences that will additionally deepen the story and highlight
the characters. As for the drawings of the platforms themselves, they will be
really nicely blended in the playable atmosphere, without over-emphasizing
themselves in some of the competitive creations.
All said and played, ’’Diggy
loot’’ is one of the more enjoyable platforms out there and definitely worth
your precious free time. And what’s best of all, you won’t need a 1000 USD
android to run it, since it’s not
drowning itself in any unnecessary demand for hardware.
So, if you feel like going back
in time, but are also eager to try out something fresh, download and install
’’Diggy loot’’ and let those sweet old emotions from the childhood seamlesly
blend with some new challenges.
’’DIGGY LOOT’’
Script – 3.5/5
Physics – 3.5/5
Graphics – 4.5/5
Playability – 4/5
Difficulty – 4/5
Addictivness – 4.5/5
TOTAL: 4/5
FOTO: ironwood-studio.com
