Beat Sneak Bandit – Review – Rhythm and stealth make for a catchy combination

By
On March 8, 2012

App Type: Uncategorized

Beat Sneak Bandit – Review – Rhythm and stealth make for a catchy combination

Our rating:

By: Simogo

Version #: 1.0

Date Released: 2012-02-16

Developer: Simogo

Price: 2.99

User Rating:
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It goes without saying that the iPhone and its plucky little touch-screen makes for some of the most simple but addictive gameplay, in the world, ever. But while most games out there simply attempt to copy Angry Birds or involve tilting your iPhone to get a ball in a hole or something equally banal, it’s only occasionally that something truly original comes along.

Well, the occasion has arrived as Beat Sneak Bandit throws up some of the most appealing and fresh iPhone gameplay in ages. You control the titular bandit, who must infiltrate the mansion of the evil Duke Clockface in a bid to prevent him from controlling all time, or something like that.

Enough plot bullshit and onto the gameplay. Your objective is to reach the big clock at the end of each level, with the option of picking up lesser clocks on the way. You move the bandit by simply tapping on the screen, and the fool can only go in one direction unless he reaches a wall. Furthermore, you have to move him in rhythm to the ticky-tocky tunes that accompany you on each level. If you move out of time, then the clock for you to nab on that floor disappears.

If you think this sounds tough, then you’re right. This is a hard bastard of a game, but a bastard whose company you enjoy, even when it beats the shit out of you. Adding to the toughness are various obstacles, such as lights, lasers and security guards which you must slip past, in time to the tunes no less!

This gameplay formula is simple but frustratingly addictive. What’s great is that the game never really feels too tough, as you can usually quite easily see that is was due to your own silly mistakes that you lost. The later levels will require patience and planning, as you’ll need to map your route if you want to collect all the clocks on a given level. Fans of classic rhythm-based platformers like Parappa the Rapper will be instantly endeared to Beat Sneak Bandit… so will everyone else for that matter.

Quick Take

Value:High.

Would I Buy Again:Yes.

Learning Curve:Simple gameplay hides a tough old game.

Who Is It For:Fans of Parappa the Rapper and other rhythm-based classics.

What I Like:Bopping along to the catchy tick-tock music.

What I Don't Like:It's ain't easy... but that's not really a complaint.

Final Statement:An original, cool and catchy rhythm-based platformer.

Read the Developer's Notes:
Description
RHYTHM. STEALTH. PUZZLE.
When all the clocks in the world are stolen by Duke Clockface and the world is in chaos, it'll be up to the Beat Sneak Bandit to steal them back!

- Rhythmadelic controls: Everything in this game moves rhythmically, just like the simple controls: Tap to the beat to sneak!

- Stealthalicious gameplay: Sneak past patrolling guards, security lights, trapdoors and all the other freaky stuff and contraptions the creepy Duke's got in store for you!

- Puzzletastic levels: Watch, listen and learn the rhythm patterns to figure out how to solve all of the sneaky puzzles!

Article By

I'm an up-and-coming freelance writer (or so I like to think) specialising in film, apps and gaming. Aside from writing app reviews on what sometimes feels like a mass scale, I've also contributed work to The Independent and IGN.com, and am on the writing team of the popular Lifestyle blog, WhatCulture.com. Like what you see? Follow me on Twitter @Rob_Zed and get in touch!

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