The Act – Review – A wonderful interactive comedy

By
On July 5, 2012

App Type: Uncategorized

The Act – Review – A wonderful interactive comedy

Our rating:

By: Chillingo

Version #: 1.0

Date Released: 2012-06-21

Developer: React Entertainment

Price: 0.99

User Rating:
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It’s said that The Act, one of the latest releases from iOS game publisher Chillingo, began as a concept for an arcade game. Unfortunately, the game was eventually cancelled on account of a dispute between its developer and its then distributor. But now, fortunately, it has been revived on the iOS platform. And the result, I hasten to point out, is simply great.

The Act is billed as an “interactive comedy,” and for once I’m glad to realize that the advertised description is true. Yes, it’s interactive. And yes, more importantly, it’s a comedy. The Act is essentially a comedic story told through an interactive game.

At the center of The Act is an adorable — or should I say “adorkable“? — loser named Edgar. As is immediately apparent from the game’s initial cut scenes, Edgar works as a hospital window washer for a really grumpy boss. As it happens, his workmate is none other than his dull-witted, literally big brother. On top of that, his girl of his dreams is one of the hospital nurses.

The central conflict of the game arises from Edgar’s need to keep his job, keep his brother out of trouble, and keep his love interest from slipping away. And to do all of these at once, he needs to keep up his act. Hence, The Act.

Since Edgar is a character in a video game, he’s going to need some help. And that’s where you come in. In order to help Edgar keep up his act, you must be able to control his emotions and reactions according to what is required of him under certain circumstances. To do that, you just swipe to the left or to the right of your device’s screen until you arrive at the desired results.

For example, in The Act‘s first interactive session, Edgar is having a daydream in which he meets his dream girl in a swanky bar. Now, you must help Edgar make a lasting impression without being overconfident. It’s a bit of a hit-and-miss affair, but the game’s jazzy musical cues serve to aid you in calibrating your swipes.

The Act is worth your while if only for its distinct approach to iOS gaming. But the nostalgic charm of its hand-drawn graphics, albeit lacking Retina iPad support, cannot be denied as well.

The Act is currently on sale for only $0.99, reduced from its regular price of $2.99. Get it now and get into the act.

Quick Take

Value:Very high.

Would I Buy Again:Definitely.

Learning Curve:Medium.

Who Is It For:Players looking for something refreshing.

What I Like:The hand-drawn graphics, the comedic cut scenes, the simple swipe controls.

What I Don't Like:No Retina display support for the third-generation iPad.

Final Statement:The Act is one tough act to follow.

Read the Developer's Notes:
????? The Act is now on sale for limited time! Celebrate summer by downloading this unique, emotion-packed game and help Edgar win Sylvia's heart! ?????

Introducing The Act – an exciting new interactive comedy that makes gaming feel like playing a classically-animated movie. Take control of Edgar, a humble window washer, and help him on his quest to save his job, rescue his brother, and woo the woman of his dreams!

• INTUITIVE
In The Act, you control both Edgar's actions and emotions. Swiping left or right with your finger will cause Edgar to react in different ways, and engage with other characters. Be careful, though, swipe too far and Edgar may get over-confident and things can get out of hand!

• BEAUTIFUL
Everything about The Act is beautiful, from its classic hand-drawn style, to its warm-hearted character animations, to its captivating storyline. It's unlike anything else on the App Store.

• HILARIOUS
With amazing, downright-hysterical animations throughout the game, The Act is a tremendous amount of fun for anyone.

For more information or support, please visit www.chillingo.com

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aldrin has written 128 awesome app reviews.