Be2 – Escape from Pongland – Review
App Type: Uncategorized
Our rating: 
By: Kismik
Version #: 1.1.0
Date Released: 2010-10-11
Developer:
Price: 2.99
User Rating:
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Pong, the old classic of video gaming history. So simple and innocent with its paddles and pixels. Who knew such a benign game could hold such a dark secret. If Kismik’s newest game, "Be2 – Escape from Pongland," is to be believed, this game has been a tool in an awful abduction and slavery. Be2 tells the story of a rouge pixel, tired of its placement in between two paddles, that escapes and takes off on an adventure that will take you through every paddle/ball style game, as well as several iPhone favorites.
The graphics in Be2 is low res pixel in the style of the classic Pong and Breakout. Don’t let this deter you though, Be2 has a lot of style. Whether it is in dark dungeon style levels, or in a pong / pitfall hybrid, the game will continue to make you say "ahh!" as you recognize the different environments.
Let me just say that this game is one of the hardest games I have ever played on the iPhone. This is really saying something because I have played some challenging games on this platform. The controls are swipe gestures that influence the momentum of your pixel. This control scheme, along with the ever changing control directions can make bypassing computer controlled paddles a real challenge. It is important that you carefully read the instructions on controlling your pixel, or it will only lead to frustration. Even after you have gotten the hang of the controls, you will find this game to be an intense challenge.
I can’t express to you the frustration of passing a difficult paddle to make it to another screen where a equally annoying paddle hits you right back to the previous screen. All this is compounded by a time limit. The music itself is almost mocking in its big band style swing, and I almost feel like I am in a Laurel and Hardy silent movie where the protagonist is faced with a task that seems to set him back twice as far as any progress he can make.
I am normally a big fan of difficult games. I enjoy a challenge, and I also feel many games today hold the players hand too much. The trick is to strike a balance that makes the game challenging, without frustrating the player to the point where they quit. I would put Be2 just to the side of the line that makes it too difficult. I wouldn’t say it is bad, just mildly frustrating at time. When it isn’t kicking my butt all over the place with no mercy, Be2 is a great game with a interesting story and controls. If you feel you are up for the challenge then this game is currently on sale for $2.99. Just don’t expect to beat this game in a couple hours.
Quick Take
Value:High.
Would I Buy Again:Hmm, perhaps if I feel I don't have enough stress in my life.
Learning Curve:Hard, very hard.
Who Is It For:Gamers that want an exceptional challenge.
What I Like:Great concept, variety of gameplay.
What I Don't Like:Frustrating at time. Controls are difficult to master.
Final Statement:Do you have what it takes to free the poor exploited pixel?
In this highly confidential document we describe what we have found so far about the rules of Pongland. Your mission is to lead the "white dot" the fastest you can through the obstacles that show up in Pongland. On your way you will find many obstacles: dumb and smart paddles, invisible bars, moving platforms, attractive and repulsive items, sliding doors, stretching figures, puzzles, labyrinths, dungeons and so on. The laws of gravity and motion can change anywhere, anytime. It's your ability to discover the tricks on the way and avoid them as well as catching the bonuses. You are given a limited amount of time to complete each level. The fastest you overcome the obstacles the highest your score gets.
---- CONTROLS ----
Sliding your finger on the screen will influence the dot's speed and direction. Longer the slide stronger the acceleration applied. Keep touching the screen and you will apply the acceleration continuously. Your ability to influence movement can be limited on a screen by screen basis. Sometimes you can influence movement vertically or horizontally only. Check the HUD (Head Up Display) for the available modes. For faster accelerations you can use the turbo mode: slide with two fingers. But remember that the turbo mode is available for a limited time.
---- INTELLIGENCE ----
Our field agents have collected useful information regarding the Pongland surveillance system known as "OpenFeint". We have reports of global and local score tracking and a special achievements lock/unlock sub-system.
---- CONCLUSIONS ----
Be fast, be smart, BE SQUARE!
Screenshots
Article By Nathan Kline
Nathan has been an avid Apple user and advocate since the days of the Apple ][. He has always sought to find new ways to make use of technology to assist his daily life. As a paramedic in southern California Nathan brings his familiarity with technology to the field, and at whatsoniphone.com he brings his critical thinking to he analysis of apps and news. You has also written app reviews for the mobile app site Smokinapps.com.
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