Developer: Sennep
Price: $1.99
Version: 1.0.1
App Reviewed on: iPad 2
OLO game is a multiplayer social game that looks simple on the surface, but the game play itself requires a little bit of luck and a whole lot of strategy. Recently named the game of the week by the App Store, this flick-to-score game is both cleverly designed and a lot of fun to play.
The goal in OLO game is to flick the OLOs into the same color target zone to score. Players take turn flicking both big and small OLOs so some require more flicking force than others. Overshooting an OLO allows the opponent to steal it. Gamers are also able to bounce OLOs into their home zone to reuse them. An OLO can only be reused three times before a skeleton finger snatches it from the board. Those who are skillful enough can push opponent’s pieces out of their target zone. The points are displayed at the bottom of the screen and the game ends once all the OLOs are used.
There are three ways to play OLO game: 2 player, 4 player and online. Those who play online can compete with a friend, use the auto feature to find someone randomly on Game Center or invite a friend to play via Facebook and Email. The game comes complete with voice chat for those who enjoy talking smack or having a friendly discussion.
I was able to successfully complete one game through Game Center, but I had trouble connecting again. The game either crashed, couldn’t find an opponent or failed to connect. This seems to be an issue others are having after browsing through the App Store reviews.
While the multiplayer option works sometimes, it’s just not reliable until an update is issued. This is where OLO game can be improved. Adding a single player option for gamers to compete against a computer would make it more fun for those having connection issues. Also, making the multiplayer mode turn-based instead of live would make the game play more enjoyable. As it stands now, players are forced to wait for their opponent to make their move. A better way to manage the live games would greatly improve the multiplayer option.
Despite a few bugs, OLO game is enjoyable and well-worth playing. The simple design looks impressive on the iPad and it’s nearly impossible to stop playing after just one game. It will be worthy of five stars once the glitches are fixed—which the developers state will happen very soon. For now, it’s a great way to compete with friends and family members over coffee or at the dinner table.