• Developer: Iskandar, Inc.
  • Price: $0.99
  • Version Reviewed: 1.0
  • Device Reviewed On: iPhone 4S
This little 8-bit platformer is a doozy. Its kooky design, pixel perfect controls, and insanely challenging platforming all work together to make this title one that shouldn’t be missed. For many platformers, the success or failure of the gameplay hinges largely on the fidelity of the game’s controls. For Bit-1 it’s no different; this game’s controls make the platforming experience not only manageable, but very enjoyable. A platformer with lame controls is almost impossible to have fun with. Fortunately, the controls in Bit-1 are both responsive and easy to use, making it possible to navigate its hectic levels.
The controls are simple, with two buttons on the left side of the screen to move left and right and two buttons on the right side of the screen for jumping and shooting. Using these simple buttons, player make their way through levels brimming with trippy 8-bit designs. The little characters and enemies in these levels are so well animated that players will probably loose a few lives just admiring it all. Ironically, owing to this pixelicious design, Bit-1 is at the same time nostalgic and edgy.
With a nod to its classic platforming roots, Bit-1 has chosen a familiar story line to propel its 8-bit hero into action. There is a princess, and she is kidnapped; simple as that. Obviously, it’s up to the player to navigate their way through the game’s treacherous levels in search of the mysterious villain responsible for separating the hero from his beloved princess. These levels consist of equal parts platforming and shooting. There are sections of precarious perches where the player must massage the controls to stay alive, and there are enemies that must be dealt with by avoiding or shooting them. The variety in the enemies is tremendous. Some enemies are small, others are huge and the designs on both are great.
Bit-1 is a great game, and so much fun to play. It is challenging in the way a platformer should be, but not just because of lame controls. Players will enjoy making their way through the lush bit-filled environments, laying waste to tons of well designed enemies. This is simply one of the finest platformers to be found on the iPhone.