Manos The Hands of Fate Review – Retro beware
App Type: Uncategorized
Our rating: 
By: FreakZone Games
Version #: 1.0
Date Released: 2012-07-26
Developer:
Price: 1.99
User Rating:
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There are a lot of buzz words that are thrown around when describing iOS games. Casual, hardcore, game changing, or Temple Run clone, are just some of the ways we describe the overwhelming flow of games into the mobile market. One theme in particular is the retro game. These can be as simple as adding a chip tune, or be actual ports of games from systems of yesteryear. While most of these games tip their hat to the days of 16-bit, their gameplay is still locked in the 21st century. Manos The Hands of Fate is not one of those games.
If you were a fan of the comedy show Mystery Science Theater 3000 back in the 90’s, then you most likely remember what is considered one of their best, (or in this care worst) episodes; Manos The Hands of Fate. This B-Movie was so bad that even the wise-cracking robots were at a loss for words.
So some guys over at FreakZone decided that what this movie really needed was an NES style video game tie-in. Yes, the same kind of tie-in that brought us E.T. for Atari, or the hundreds of other bad NEW games that we played as kids because we liked a book or movie. How did they turn a horror movie that was films as a bet into a retro classic game?
Manos The Hands of Fate is a side scrolling platformer where you must reach the boss that awaits you at the end of each level. You are equipped with a gun and you must locate gems and “hands of fate” along the way as well as a shotgun upgrade if you plan to make it through. Those of you that remember the term, “Nintendo hard” know that games like this were unforgiving and mind-dissolving. Enemies come at you relentlessly and your inability to adequately maneuver yourself means you are going to die…a lot.
There is no saving mechanism if you find yourself interrupted. So if you have to do some work on your phone like send an email or text you run the risk of losing you progress. That is just how thing were back then and if youngsters say its unfair, tough! Manos is a game for people that want to enjoy the torture of 16-bit gaming form the comfort of their iPhone. There is no hand holding or easy modes here. This truly is a “retro” game in all its glory. Perhaps this will make you appreciate how far gaming has come from the days of Battletoads, and Ghostbusters. For two bucks, Manos The Hands of Fate will give you all the retro gaming you can stomach.
Quick Take
Value:Depends
Would I Buy Again:Only if the Master commanded
Learning Curve:Astronomical
Who Is It For:Guttons for Punishment, nostalgianistas
What I Like:Plays just like a classic NES game
What I Don't Like:Plays just like a classic NES game
Final Statement:There is no way out of here. It will be dark soon. There is no way out of here.
MANOS is an homage to the great games you remember from your childhood! Remember how every film and cartoon had it's own platform game adaptation? When every man, woman, child, animal and inanimate object were out to get your character? When the streets were filled with bats, ghosts and Frankenstein monsters? MANOS will take you back to the fantastically absurd games of the past!
Lost on their vacation, Mike and his family have wandered the desert trying to find a place to stay, only to wind up in the haunted Valley Lodge. Maintained by Torgo, an unusual man/satyr who "takes care of the place while The Master is away", the hotel is swimming with paranormal activity which Mike has to brave through to find his now missing family. Who is The Master, and what does he want with Mike's family? Armed with his trusty revolver, Mike will have to wander the haunted halls, venture out into the desert, uncover a dark temple and battle the forces of darkness to find out!
- Huge levels with boss battles at the end of each!
- True classic gameplay!
- 100% authentic retro style!
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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