Developer: MegaCubic
Price: Free for a limited period ($2.99 thereafter)
Version Reviewed: 1.1
Device Reviewed On: iPod Touch
The premise behind Foodie the Bug couldn’t be simpler, as all the player has to do is get Foodie from one side of the level to the other before the timer hits zero. In reality it’s much easier said than done, and the time limit ends up being the source of much frustration.
The game is split into four locations, each containing five levels. Every level starts with Foodie sitting on a catapult, and with a downward stroke on the screen the player can launch the bug forward and into the air. As soon as this happens two additional events occur. Firstly, the timer will begin ticking down to zero, and secondly Foodie’s energy bar starts to deplete rapidly. Once this bar runs out then Foodie will plummet to the ground and the level will be classed as a failure.
To top up the energy bar the player must constantly collect jelly beans that are scattered throughout the level. Control is easy, with tilts of the device moving Foodie up and down. As well as jelly beans, each level contains a myriad of power-ups and hazards to help and hinder Foodie. To add to this there are also a number of enemies around, and Foodie can only take three hits before the level ends.
Foodie the Bug also has a number of recipes to complete. This can be done by collecting certain food items that are placed in every level. Once to player has collected the required food types they can ‘cook’ the recipe, which will add it to their collection.
As much fun as the game can be, there are a number of issues. Firstly, power-ups have a nasty habit of being spawned right next to hazards, rendering them impossible to collect. The focus on beating the time limit also becomes frustrating, especially when the much-needed speed boosts are blocked off by hazards.
For the most part Foodie the Bug is an enjoyable game. Just be prepared to see the ‘fail’ screen over and over again.