Spore Origins – Review

Our rating:

By: Electronic Arts

Version #: 1.0.0

Date Released: 2008-09-05

Developer:

Price: 9.99

User Rating:

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EA’s Spores Origin is the quintessential "eat-or-be-eaten", accelerometer controlled adventure game. It has already received over 100 comments on the iTunes app store in less than 8 hours since release. And it deserves it.

Not only did EA do an amazing job of using the iPhone’s ability to display multiple graphics layers to simulate depth and movement, they mastered the accelerometer in its use of movement controls. This is by far the smoothest use of the accelerometer that I’ve seen so far in a game.  The game assumes a 0,0,0 center position at a natural tilted angle, and even talks you through centering your iPhone initially in the first screen.  As you move your phone to move the creature around, tilt angle controls speed which makes it very easy to slow down and change direction suddenly in the game (which you’ll be doing a lot of).  The controls feel very smooth and non-jarring like some other games I’ve played recently.

Some of my favorite features include the ability to take a photo and then apply it to the skin of your custom creature. I took a photo of my face and wrapped it on the creatures body, lets just say that in the right light, I make a pretty good looking one eyed blob. I love the choice of colors and the vivid graphics that are used throughout the game. Even the interface for choosing the various ‘upgrades’ is unique. You spin a rotating wheel around the creature to pick your item(s).

The game’s concept is quite unique as well, as you are basically trying to eat your way up the evolutionary ladder without becoming another creatures lunch. Parts of that process are very entertaining, as I found myself chasing a few bubble fish who, once I “popped” them with my customized horn, would release their earlier lunch for me to consume. (YUM!)

The other thing I noticed was that “auto-save feature”. As I was playing this evening I was constantly interrupted (kids, wife, Dan, snacking etc). When I resumed the game I was always where I left off despite having had to exit the game to use another app or two on the iPhone. It may not sound like a big deal but VERY few games do it at all, let alone this well.

EA did an excellent job with Spores Origin on the iPhone. It is definitely one of my favorites. The only thing I didn’t like was that there are a bit too many video CGI’s which take up room and burn battery for my liking. Other than that, this is a game worth every penny.

Quick Take

Value:  Very High
Would I Buy Again:  Definitely.
Learning Curve:  Very Small
Who is it for:  Anyone who enjoys a well designed game.
What I like:  Great use of iPhone graphic layers, excellent controls, unique interface.
What I Don’t:  Too much wasted time and space on CGI’s 

Final Statement:  Don’t think twice, if you want great game play, controls, and a lot of fun, this is the game for you.