Developer: CAPCOM
Price: $2.99
Version Reviewed: 1.00.01
Device Reviewed On: iPad 2
CAPCOM’s latest, Tip Tap Block’em, may sound like a casual puzzler, but it’s actually a whole lot of action-packed Zombie avoidance, with clever, rich graphics and simple but engaging gameplay. It’s overpriced at $2.99, particularly as the primary game is rather short, but it’s also a lot of fun.
Nik seems like a nice young man, with his bright red hair and heart-covered sleeping cap, but he has a problem. He’s trying to prepare for his wedding, yet every night zombies of varying shapes and abilities lay siege to his home. It’s his job to fight his insomnia and keep them out until dawn when he can collapse into exhausted sleep on his floor.
The primary adventure has three environments: Nick’s home, a resort where he goes to take an ill-fated rest; and back to a newly redecorated home readied for the impending nuptials.
On each level Nik runs to his windows and doors, securing them with some fast tapping. Boarded windows and chained doors deter the zombies, but not for long, so Nick has to stay alert. A yellow glow means a new Zombie has arrived while orange and red indicate how close they are to breaking in.
Each world introduces new types of zombies. Some are simpletons who can be kept out easily, others include multi-eyed beasties that need to be blinded, fiery demons whose flames must be extinguished, and Cyclops who must be hypnotized before they can be deterred.
As the game progresses, the means of keeping the zombies at bay become more complex. On top of nailing windows and barring doors Nik has to fight off zombies who break through walls by assembling puzzle pieces, or bury them in baskets, and contend with metal latches and hinges, each of which takes more or less time to complete.
There is an element of strategy to the mayhem. Players must decide which of the entry points is in greatest danger and which zombies take the most time to subdue.
The controls, in terms of tapping, turning, locking and whatnot are very responsive, but getting around the room is a pain. There is an optional arrow that can rotate Nik 90 degrees in either direction, or players can swipe past each window on the way to trouble. It would be simpler and more pleasant to just tap on the intruder’s entryway and have Nik run over.
The adventure itself is short, but completing each world opens three variants: endless, timed, and a Glory mode. Once the game is won, there is an option to replay with increased difficulty all of which adds replay value.
The graphics are bright and cute, the story is amusing and the gameplay is fun. The various modes spice things up and there are achievements, leaderboards, and even hidden treasures to discover. Tip Tap Block’em is a solid arcade-action pick, if one doesn’t mind paying a dollar or two more than for similar offerings.