Fotonica iPhone Review

No matter how many endless runners you've played, there's always another developer out there who thinks they can do it better. In the case of Fotonica, it's absolutely true. The entire game is played with only one gesture, a tap, and holding on the screen. It's a unique experience that pulls you in as soon as you strap in, and while you rack up the bonus points, it's clear you've stumbled onto something much different than the likes of Temple Run or even titles like Mirror's Edge.

The Good
Fotonica's Arcade mode features seven levels of gorgeous, colorful and trippy wireframe visuals with several paths that go higher and lower. You need to aim to reach the highest areas possible while collecting special dots that net you extra points. What's more, you can play all of these levels on your iPad as split-screen multiplayer with another friend. So you can play solo or with a friend with every level of arcade mode, adding another layer of replayability.
Endless mode offers three different levels that allow you to complete longer jumps and more challenging stunts that you'll complete over and over until you've perfected them at higher speeds and at the exact moment. You'll learn how to compensate for any hesitation you might feel at different areas throughout each area, and while it's a different and repetitive beast, you'll quickly come to love it as an engaging part of the game. Even when you fail, Fotonica never makes you feel as though you've done so, only coaxing you to continue playing.
The wireframe landscapes are instantly familiar and yet eerie, and they're absolutely gorgeous to take in. From the bright neon colors to the darkness of other areas in the levels, there's plenty to see. Less really is more here, and yet the minimalistic nature of Fotonica doesn't make it any
The Bad
While the multiple modes do offer different experiences, there aren't too many reason to come back after you've played bite-sized chunks here and there. Of course, this is a niggling issue that many players won't even find a problem with. Honestly, it's hard to find anything else wrong with Fotonica.
The Verdict
This is, for all intents and purposes, one of the greatest examples of a runner you'l be able to find on the App Store. It's a masterful blend of familiar mechanics, bonus points, and simple controls that anyone can pick up and play immediately. It's just different enough to be refreshing, but polished enough to enjoy. Fotonica is definitely one game that needs to be installed on your favorite device.
4.5/5