A relatively new game developer, Bazingames comes to the table with a solid top-scroller in Aquahamster. Assisting the furry rodent as he escapes the confines of his plastic prison, is particularly entertaining. The objective is to complete each watery underworld level while escaping various obstacles from fish to trash compactors, all while maintaining enough battery charge to operate a the tiny hamster submarine suit.
Design
As with all scrolling games, the objective is to get from point A to B. The control bar, located on the bottom of the screen, moves the hamster (let’s call him Rhino) left to right as he moves down the screen. In addition, brake and throttle pedals are located on the side of the screen. Increasing the challenge of the game, Rhino is continuously moving down the screen, meaning the pedals control speed, but will not completely stop the downward progression.
Considering speed becomes an increasingly important control factor, it would be easier to play the game if the two pedals were located on the same side of the screen. As the brake is on the left and throttle is on the right, depending on your dominant hand, one of the two will be more difficult to reach than the other. When Rhino approaches a churning blade, timing is of utmost importance!
Gameplay
While progressing through the dark, direct Rhino to collect starfish, oxygen, and power bubbles. Collecting starfish help upgrade Rhino’s suit along with increased oxygen capacity or stronger armor. Oxygen and suit power deplete through each level and must be gathered to complete each level. Personally, I thought it was a little taxing to have so many different depleting vitals. During each trek, Rhino loses oxygen, suit power, and health; however, it makes the game more engaging. All of these items must be gathered while dodging all of the murky marauders, in addition to trash compactors and garbage disposals.
Conclusion [rating: 4/5]
Aquahamster ($.99, iTunes Link) is very simple and enjoyable, certainly a quick-fix game for the times when you are between classes, waiting at the drive-through, or you happen to be the first one to your meeting. This is not a game you will sit down for hours and play ceaselessly, but I prefer simple, short level games for the road. The video below contains all game-play footage and is an accurate representation from which one can form their own opinion.
Pros
- 3 different worlds
- 45 unique levels
- Easy to pick up and play
- Simple and straight forward
- Upgrades
Cons
- Split brake and throttle pedal
- Too many depleting vital guages
