Gesundheit! – Konami
Puzzle-Platformer
Price: $0.99
I have to admit, I picked this game up solely for its visuals. The hand drawn animations by Matt Hammill are truly a sight to be seen. While the visuals are no doubt stunning, is the game play just as amazing? In short, YES.
Gesundheit! is an action-puzzler that reminds me of the boss sequences of Helsing’s Fire. While the concept is different, I can’t help but to think back to that amazing game, and how this one excels even higher.
The game begins with a story of an allergy stricken pig that is bullied by his classmates, but are then suddenly overrun by monsters. Can the snotty pig save the day and win the heart of his pig-crush? Sadly, this is the only cut-scene until the final battle. Each of the 40 levels drop the pig-hero into a small town or island, where you are faced with the challenge of clearing out all of the monsters by flinging snot and tricking them to run over a fiend-gobbling worm hiding just below the surface. You’re wits will continue to be tested as portals and push buttons are added into the mix. Once a monster takes sight of you, they make a mad dash to gobble you up. If you launch a snotball the simple-minded beasts will be temporally distracted, running or flying after it instead. The monsters will get increasingly more challenging, with different abilities, which will force you to think a little differently as you continue your quest to bring peace back to your once placid pigpen.
As-is app store puzzler tradition, there are three stars to collect in each level. Be careful though, as the beasts will squash them and your snotballs will shatter them. To collect all three you will need careful planning.
The controls are simple: touch your desired destination, but be careful because it won’t always pick the best path. Traveling in short bursts are a must. To launch snot simply touch and drag the pig in a slingshot type fashion. I occasionally had trouble shooting at the edge of the screen, allowing for only a short shot. There are several different snot powerups, all being different allergens. One gives you the ability to sling your snot farther; the other creates a grappling hook type effect to sling you across water or canyons.
With all of this fun to be had, it doesn’t come without flaws. The monsters would freeze occasionally, allowing for free roam to pick up the stars. Also, I was also a little annoyed I couldn’t listen to my own music, as the music gets annoying quick. The game was a little short, finishing it in just a few hours. Collecting all three starts can add quite a bit of playtime, if you’re hardcore enough.
Even with the flaws, I still give a high recommendation for action-puzzler fans.
Rating:
4.0/5.0
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