Traps 'n Gemstones is a bit of a sleeper hit, transcending the limits of what we've come to expect from mobile titles. An engaging combination of the worlds of Castlevania and Metroid, it's a decadently retro adventure that mobile platformer fans will be chomping at the bit to play. If you don't play another platformer on iOS this month, make sure you get into this one, for sure.
The Good
Players are asked to take down an individual who's hidden behind a forcefield that may only be broken by collecting lost relics and taking them back to where they were originally stolen from. True to trope fashion, the game finds you running through networks of underground tunnels rife with minecarts, mummies, and other similar "dangerous adventure" setpieces.
You have a wide assortment of controls at your disposal, and you can roll, jump, and whop your way to success. They're on-screen controls, but work exceptionally well if you know how to use them and can become acclimated to them. As you maneuver your way through a gaggle of traps, you'll quickly discover there's quite a bit of challenge, attached to the many winding corridors, most of which are related to the titular gemstones. There's a hefty amount of them to pick up, as well as other collectibles that end up making your job easier -- such as a gun or an oxygen tank. And much like the game's Castlevania inspirations, collecting these types of items will open up previously inaccessible areas for replay value and backtracking.
The game truly shines when it comes to player choice, as well. It's up to you whether or not you want to open up additional areas with collectibles or to place relics, so different players can play using a style that suits them rather than having to stick to a linear progress schedule.
The Bad
There isn't much to speak of that has a negative connotation in Traps 'n Gemstones, but the difficulty curve can be downright frustrating at times. That's due largely in part to the abundance of traps and how simple it can be to lose track of what you're doing. This might be expected by most fans of the genre, but for some iOS gamers it may be a turnoff, given the casual nature of most mobile titles.
The Verdict
Traps 'n Gemstones is a polished and wholly excellent effort from Donut Games that combines the best of the genre with expertly-crafted retro aesthetics and some of the most addictive mechanics around. Pick it up for a breath of fresh air on your mobile device today.
Download Traps 'n Gemstones for iPhone, iPad, and Android.
The Good
Players are asked to take down an individual who's hidden behind a forcefield that may only be broken by collecting lost relics and taking them back to where they were originally stolen from. True to trope fashion, the game finds you running through networks of underground tunnels rife with minecarts, mummies, and other similar "dangerous adventure" setpieces.
You have a wide assortment of controls at your disposal, and you can roll, jump, and whop your way to success. They're on-screen controls, but work exceptionally well if you know how to use them and can become acclimated to them. As you maneuver your way through a gaggle of traps, you'll quickly discover there's quite a bit of challenge, attached to the many winding corridors, most of which are related to the titular gemstones. There's a hefty amount of them to pick up, as well as other collectibles that end up making your job easier -- such as a gun or an oxygen tank. And much like the game's Castlevania inspirations, collecting these types of items will open up previously inaccessible areas for replay value and backtracking.
The game truly shines when it comes to player choice, as well. It's up to you whether or not you want to open up additional areas with collectibles or to place relics, so different players can play using a style that suits them rather than having to stick to a linear progress schedule.
The Bad
There isn't much to speak of that has a negative connotation in Traps 'n Gemstones, but the difficulty curve can be downright frustrating at times. That's due largely in part to the abundance of traps and how simple it can be to lose track of what you're doing. This might be expected by most fans of the genre, but for some iOS gamers it may be a turnoff, given the casual nature of most mobile titles.
The Verdict
Traps 'n Gemstones is a polished and wholly excellent effort from Donut Games that combines the best of the genre with expertly-crafted retro aesthetics and some of the most addictive mechanics around. Pick it up for a breath of fresh air on your mobile device today.
Download Traps 'n Gemstones for iPhone, iPad, and Android.
5/5
