Monday 30 May 2011

Japan World Cup 2

I love the off-the-wall style of some Japanese games. From the genius of Katamari Damacy, to the madness of Muscle March, there's always something to make me grin from ear-to-ear.

So when I discovered Japan World Cup 2, I fell in love with it straight away. It's nothing more than a browser-based betting game, where the player places cash on the animal of their choice in the hope of it crossing the line first. But rather than taking things seriously, Japan World Cup 2 is completely bonkers - and it's doubtful you'll care who wins the race, such is the lunacy of the furlong fun.

There's a bit of Japanese text to wade through, but setting up a race is fairly straightforward and it's well worth the effort.

Click here to experience the deliciously over-the-top madness.

Monday 2 May 2011

Mos Speedrun - iPhone/iPad

Super Meat Boy's old school platform action impressed everyone who played it last year. Fast-paced and rock hard, it was a breath of fresh air in a marketplace crammed with mindless shooters.

The development team at Glasgow-based developer Physmo were clearly inspired by the title, as Mos Speedrun tips its cap to Team Meat's creation, although it is certainly more forgiving than Meat Boy's perilous quest.

Mos Speedrun takes place over 20 levels, each with four goals to accomplish: Getting to the end of the level in one piece, doing it within a time limit, collecting all the golden coins and finding a secret hidden skull.

Controlling insect girl Mos - who can be kitted out in a range of adorable outfits - is straightforward, with just left, right and jump used. But don't be deceived by this simplicity - Mos Speedrun is a devilish game, where one mistake will scupper your chances of success.

Every time Mos tragically impales herself on spikes, drowns, burns in molten lava or meets her maker at the hands of shuffling zombies, a replay ghost materialises and leaps away showing you where Mos met her untimely death.

Struggle with a level, and ghosts fill the scrolling landscape, reminding the player of their past mistakes. It's a lovely inclusion and it's an amusing little feature which only adds to Mos Speedrun's delightful charm.

Controls on both iPhone and iPad are almost perfect - something which can't be said of many platform games using touch screen controls - and they have to be, as rampaging through the levels in a bid to post the fastest time is what the game is all about.

Visuals have a delightful retro flavour, with each level lovingly detailed with old school appeal, while the glorious chip tune soundtrack by Je mappelle is pitch perfect.

The only real downside to the game is the lack of levels but as Physmo say more will be released, that small problem will be rectified soon. For just £1.19, Mos Speedrun is a must-have title and one of the freshest experiences currently on Apple devices.