Krashlander - (by Farseer Games LLC)[Universal]

[Sanuku]

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[Biggavelli]

Instabuy

[metalcasket]

From the "Upcoming" thread:

Originally Posted by metalcasket

Like I said above, I've had the pleasure of playing the initial release version (1.0) of Krashlander for a few days now, and what started off as "what did I get myself into?" is now "wow...this is surreal".

Let's make this clear. Krashlander isn't exactly a 'pick up 'n' play' game. There's definitely a learning curve to the controls (best referred to by Jeff himself as one that require "learning a new motor skill"). It's not an easy game, but don't let that turn you off...it's one that's worth sticking with. Before you know it, you'll be smirking each and every time you nail that one segment that's been driving you nuts all day. I haven't played Ski Stunt Simulator, so this is the first time I've come across a control scheme such as this (while simple on the outside, incredibly deep) and as far as iOS is concerned, I could probably say this is a completely new experience.

Despite what's been said in this thread, as well as the impressions given off by the trailer, there's nothing really 'Angry Birds-ish' about Krashlander. You don't set up an angle, throw Krashlander (yes, that's his name) and hope for the best. You've got to meticulously control this fellow, contorting his body each and every second of the way until he hits his target(s) and as far as the physics are concerned, everything just feels right...whether it's the weight of Krashlander himself, the impact while hitting the evil robots or just flying across the land with your face planted in the snow. Heck, stretching your body while in the middle of a jump causes you to go slower, while curling into a ball does the opposite. There's a certain degree of realism to the game and there are so many little secrets and tricks to Krashlander. Practice definitely makes perfect (something I've yet to achieve even though I've 3-starred 14 out of the 20 levels).

The first thing the graphics reminded me of were the crisp retina graphics in the iOS version of 'The Lords of Midnight' and the entire game really does feel like it originally belonged on a C64 or ZX Spectrum. Do not in any way take that as a bad thing. It's a good thing. It's got an "old soul" thing to it...a simple game, with a simple menu, barren of any IAPs that just has the ability to suck you in. Also, as already mentioned, probably one of the strongest highlights of the game: the sound design. The only thing you're treated to in-game (other than the deathly grunts of Krashlander and the evil robots) is the sound of the wind. m i srs bro? Yes. It's eerily reminiscent of the final moments before Solipskier falls to his doom. Love it. Grab your headphones for this one.

20 levels (with another 20 planned...but it looks like Jeff has something up his sleeve based on the posts in this thread), fantastic control scheme, Universal, iPhone & iPad retina graphics, full game (no IAPs), $0.99. No brainer. I've used this term very rarely: Instant classic, as far as I'm concerned.

NB: I wasn't asked nor paid to write this up. I think everyone on TouchArcade who knows me knows that when I like something, I have absolutely no problem telling people I do. I had the chance to check this out quite a while before it became available for purchase anywhere and hence why my impressions are in detail.

[Capronissimo71]

As soon as it comes to the Store..Instabuy!

[Trev1]

as of 7 am wed in US.....best pre-release yet....IMO. 11pm rock on dood

[oooooomonkey]

Damn still 12hours to wait

[cabdog]

Pretty fun, but man..these controls are just...well, different. It just doesn't feel natural. Based on the dev's recommendations, I am going to stick with it.
I love anything and all things skiing.

Question please; is it necessary to 3-star each run to progress to new worlds? Or is this just a 'personal satisfaction' thing.

The way you can reset your 'Attacks' so easily, has me hitting the 'refresh' button every time I start over.
Universal has this game BEGGING for iCloud game save support.

Thanks in advance for any and all advice please!

[metalcasket]

Originally Posted by cabdog

Pretty fun, but man..these controls are just...well, different. It just doesn't feel natural.

See, that's the problem. Gaming over the years has taught us that (as Gabrien brought up) Mario-like controls and physics, as well as one button controls on iOS (such as in Ski Safari) feel natural, but if you actually think about it...being able to have this much control over your character, being able to manipulate his body the way you, yourself would with your own body...that should be what we consider natural.

I'm not saying I want to have a control scheme such as this in every single game that I play *shudders at the thought of having to control the angle at which Mario lands on a Goomba*, but it's refreshing to have controls pose a challenge once in a while. I mean, watch the "Gameplay" video in the first post...look at how flawless that run is. With a little bit of practice, you could be doing that run. Heck, I've been playing this close to a week now and I still can't play like that...but I'm trying to, and I'm loving every second of it.

[parkerpunk]

This little game is a perfect spiritual sequel to the ski stunt simulater browser games. Thank you for the best implulse buy ever.

[JeffWeber]

Originally Posted by parkerpunk

This little game is a perfect spiritual sequel to the ski stunt simulater browser games. Thank you for the best implulse buy ever.

Ha,ha.. awesome. One of my big hopes was to attract some of the old SSS fans... and the fact that you except it as a successor is nice!