Review: Flickitty

 Review: Flickitty by Edward Abarilla

Rating: (4/5)

  The app store has seen some creative and innovative titles in the past year thanks to the devices unique features such as multi-touch, accelerometer controls. Sure, we have a handful of creative titles that make good use of the iPhones unique feature set, but seldom do we get the charm, character, and the overall quality that I found in the new dev3 title; Flickitty. While it may not be groundbreaking, Flickitty is sure to capture hearts.

  Those who have played the lite version (which was released more than a month prior to the full version) will be familiar with the objectives of the game and how you control Flick (the main feline character) Simply tap anywhere on the screen and “flick” in the direction you want Flick to go and he will fly in that direction. Yes, this cat can fly, but if you do not “flick”…err Flick, he will descend fast. If this happens, you can slow Flick down  by tapping and holding anywhere on the screen. Touch and drag controls are used to move various items to a desired location, by simply placing Flick directly above an object and draging them together. The controls are very effective and just about anyone should b e able to pick up and play this game almost immediately.

  Flick wants to be an employee of the month, so when he is given jobs by various employees he is eager to complete them. Some tasks, like lighting lanterns by passing through them, are quite simple. Other tasks, like bringing mines to the foreman without causing an explosion, can be more challenging. Some tasks have different types of funny hazards throughout the map, and you will lose a progress should you run into one of them. For example, one task has you placing grave markers near former employees. Get zapped by an electric hazard on the way and besides inflicting unnecessary harm on poor flick, you will also lose one placed marker.

  Thankfully unlike most cats with just 9 lives, Flick has a seemingly endless supply. You will not find a game over screen in Flickitty. Instead your goal is to complete each task in the least amount of time, and if you are real good, earn a perfect run with no penalties. Currently the only reward given for completing tasks are hats and masks that you can make Flick wear. I would certainly like to see additional rewards added, such as achievements. The developers say that they are working on an update that will challenge you to complete perfect runs to unlock a in-game map editor, and that the update should also include more tasks to complete and additional accessories to earn. To be clear, at this time that is not an available feature. Since it is not uncommon for promised updates to end up forgotten (unfortunately) we will have to wait and see if that does happen. We will be sure to publish an update if this feature does become available.

 Already, the game boasts plenty of replayability. Flickitty has 5 maps that are accessible anytime, and it’s up to you to pick the the tasks you want to complete first. You’re really in control here, not being pressured to complete a particular task before you can unlock the others.

Each map is composed of different themes, and some maps like the underwater and space themes even effect how you control Flick. In an underwater location, Flick will float upwards so controlling him will be more difficult. In space, Flick will feel  lighter and faster than normal, making you more prone to mistakes. You will find a unique music track included with each map, and some of the tracks are actually quite memorable. The music is especially inspired and diverse, and adds to the overall charm of the game . While the music is excellent the sound effects are actually fairly average.

  The art style in Flickitty definitely adds allot to its overall charm. The 2D animations are some of the best I’ve seen on the iPhone, and the art style is simply beautiful! You will giggle when you see Flicks animations as he gets caught on certain hazards. It is rare that I actually smile when something hurts my main character, but this game makes me smile everytime. I think that is testament to the excellent work Dev3 has done with the artwork and animations in Flickitty. The game does lag for a couple of seconds here and there. Not enough to be a game breaker but considering the level of polish on the rest of the game, and its simple gamplay, it is somewhat of a dissapointment.

 Overall, the execution in Flickitty is impressive. Featuring intuitive controls, great level and character design, catchy music and plenty of style – it’s all there. Although the game doesn’t have much depth, its simple charm won me over and is easy to recommend.
Rating: (4/5)