Swordigo - 90s throwback platformer a worthwhile, addictive app

Remember that action adventure platformer you used to play in the mid-90s? You were good enough to get through most of the game. But every now and then, the game would throw you a challenge that was unrelenting and unforgiving. That challenge would have you, and possibly your brother or your best friend, cursing repeatedly until the sweet, sweet satisfaction of finally reaching that legendary weapon or secret area.

Swordigo (Touch Foo) for the iPhone/iPad is pretty much that game. Except now, instead of waiting all day to run home and play the game, you can now take it everywhere with you! I've played Swordigo on a long ferry ride, during quiet moments while camping, in the lunchroom at work, and pretty much every time I manage to get a seat on the bus.

Plot
 What plot? The plot is probably the most predictable lack-of-a-storyline that I've ever seen. Which is actually awesome! Because for a portable like this, what you really want is less cutscenes and more fun, addictive gameplay. The few cutscenes that do exist are restricted to quick one to five liners, some of which can be repeated if you venture back into the same area. Though... I really don't know why you would want to do that.

Opening screen for Swordigo

Graphics
The graphics are total mid-90s, early PSX deliciousness. Especially the hero's spiky blue hair. Seriously, how many protagonists had spiky blue hair back then? It's a fad I never really understood. Especially since nobody else ever seemed to have funky blue hair but the protagonists. Really, when do you get the time to dye your hair while trying to save the world?

Fighting a pesky Mage

Gameplay
I always say that great gameplay (often) trumps out a lot of the other factors. That's especially true for this game. This platforming experience manages to stay fresh throughout. You have to pay attention, because there's a new tactic to be employed in every new zone. Otherwise, you might see the "Game Over" screen fairly often.

Actually, who am I kidding, I saw "Game Over" fairly often. But I never got frustrated to the point where I stopped playing. If anything, this game is one of the rare gems where dying only fuels your drive to succeed. The harder puzzles in this game are particularly unforgiving. Miss a jump or throw a bomb in the wrong direction and you'll have to start the puzzle all over again. If you're lucky you won't have to retrace your steps just to reset the zone.


This game is seriously refreshing because it challenges you at just the right levels. There's no endless, mindless sidequests, no level grinding necessary, and best of all... no "ultimate" weapons that are won with the power of your credit card. Remember when legendaries were obtained with luck and skill? Yeah, Swordigo brings you back to those times.

My only real gripe with this game is that the controls can act up, particularly at crucial moments. Though these moments were rare, those moments still convince me that a good ol' controller is, at least currently, still more accurate and responsive than a touch screen.

Music
I play the game on the bus without headphones. The few times I've played this game with music, it was appropriately epic. Which is a bonus, but I was totally hooked either way.


Final Verdict
It costs less than a coffee at Starbucks and I've been playing it since May. Still playing it! You do the math. Hands down, probably the best platformer game on the iPhone to date. And it has enough going for it that it'll probably become a timeless classic.

Posted by SnapDragon