Articles

New Orbit

Developer: Mark Hofer
$2.99
Universal iOS App

 

New Orbit is a game that combines Newtonian Physics and a generic sci-fi plot. That isn't a bad thing in my book. You're the sole survivor of a destroyed mothership. Progressing in the story requires completing very basic objectives. Go here, pick up that, orbit this, and don't get blown up by mines covers 99% of the challenges.

 

A screenshot of the iPhone versionAs I said, this game uses Newtonian Physics. You pilot the ship with simple tap controls. Press anywhere on the screen and your ship will accelerate in that direction. That may sound simple, but you're forgetting that this is space. Without that wonderful force called friction things can get tricky. Add gravity and it's clearly easier said than done. Since the game is controlled in 2D it's typically more fun than frustrating. The controls work great because of their simplicity. Unfortunately, at least on the iPhone, the field of view can make things harder than they should be. Dodging debris, for example, requires more luck than skill on the iPhone. Another small complaint is having to land on a specific spot on some of the planetoids.

The graphics are simplistic overall. Most of the objectives and enemies are 2d vector style graphics. The 3d objects are rendered nicely by the unity engine, but they're hardly mind blowing by iOS standards. The SFX are old and appropriate. The music isn't going to win any awads, but I didn't mind it either. The game is completely voiced. However, the European accents aren't the best to my American ears and the acting was pretty flat. From a technical standpoint it seemed solid, with just a few quirks.

 

I enjoyed this quite a bit for the $0.99 I paid, especially since its a universal iPhone/iPad app, but it's very short and there isn't really any replay value. I'd say buy, but you may want to hold out for a price drop since it's since increased to $2.99. More episodes are said to be coming, but I have the feeling that is going to be in the way of new apps instead of updates.

iPad Screenshot, one of the many hazards you're forced intoiPad Screenshot

 

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