Tapsteroids Review

Friday, September 16, 2011

Tapsteroids Review

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Tapsteroids Review

By Rob Rich on September 16th, 2011
Our Rating:

:: ORBITAL CHAOS
iPhone App - Designed for the iPhone, compatible with the iPad

Tapsteroids starts off slow, but once things get moving it turns into one heck of a frantic (and fun!) space rock defense game.

Developer: UNAgames
Price: $0.99
Version: 1.0.0
App Reviewed on: iPhone 3GS
Graphics / Sound Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
User Interface Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Gameplay Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Re-use / Replay Value Rating: 3.75 out of 5 stars

Overall Rating: 4.06 out of 5 stars

I would think setting up a space station in a section of the universe (which is huge, but the way) that just happens to sit next to an asteroid field is an obvious no-no. I mean, with all the inevitable traffic that’s bound to happen by, building what is essentially a big rest stop within spitting distance of a bunch of floating debris is practically inviting a barrage of lawsuits. Apparently the Department of Transportation doesn’t get any smarter in the distant future.

In Tapsteroids, players control a planet/space station’s weapon systems and are given one simple task: keep those space rocks from breaking stuff. This is accomplished by tapping on the offending chunks in order to target them with missiles and blow them out of existence. It’s not simply a matter of keeping them from crashing into the planet or station, however. A number of space ships will fly in from the edges of the screen and attempt to dock or land, helpless fodder for the pitiless asteroids. They, in their vast numbers, are much tougher to protect.

I was honestly shocked by how much fun I’ve had with Tapsteroids. All of the hectic asteroid blasting, which is both fast and responsive, makes for quite the good time. However, the addition of special weapons with finite ammo (earned by tapping on power-ups as they float by) makes it even more so. Seeing those missiles swarm out after furiously tapping all over the screen is plenty satisfying, but so is atomizing several rocks at once with an area-effect bomb, creating a temporary barricade of lasers or clearing the entire screen at once with some kind of (EMP?) blast.

Tapsteroids does start out a little slow, however. The first five waves are just a bit too easy, which led me to initially believe that I’d be getting bored pretty fast. It certainly ramps up from level/wave six and on, but the less focused might give up on it before they get that far.

Once those initial “too easy” levels are cleared, however, Tapsteroids really hits its stride. It’s by no means easy or even relaxing as the levels progress, but it’s very, very fun. For a measly dollar, I can’t think of a single reason not to buy it.