Version Reviewed: 1.0
Device Reviewed On: iPhone 4
Graphics / Sound Rating:
Game Controls Rating:
Replay Value Rating:
Despite its best efforts, Hungry Rabbit doesn’t stand out in a genre that’s already close to bursting point. The main emotion I felt, as I played, was mild irritation at the frantic gameplay that juxtaposes awkwardly with the puzzle solving elements within the game.
Sure, Hungry Rabbit is cute and cuddly to look at. All the basic principles are there for a solid title, it just misfires at times. The player takes the role of a very hungry and inexplicably blue rabbit as he bounds mindlessly through levels, ignoring all perils and entirely set on reaching the carrot at the end of the level. It’s down to the player to guide him safely through, while manipulating objects around him.
It’s an uncertain mishmash of concepts. It’s not like Lemmings in terms of arranging a route for the rabbit then letting it loose. But there’s also not enough control over the rabbit to feel like a platformer or endless runner. Instead, players must tap the screen then attempt to clear a route quickly as the rabbit runs along. The rabbit can jump and switch direction but it’s the speed in which he runs that makes the game frantic. The more complex the levels get, the more borderline frustrating the experience becomes. A flurry of spikes, rats and other traps makes for a stressful time. One that belies the fun that could have been had focusing on the puzzles rather than reacting quickly.
The structure of the game is laid out appropriately. 96 levels with plenty of variety and achievements to gain is pretty much what anyone could want. There’s reason to returning to previous levels in the form of collecting up all three cabbages scattered around each stage. It’s just the basic mechanics that feel lacking and confused. Going the route of platform puzzler or Lemmings-esque puzzle game would have given players that extra layer of control and reduce any chance of frustration.
Tagged with: $0.99, arcade, frantic, Hungry Rabbit, Oxygene, puzzle, rabbit