Mr. Particle-Man is a refreshing, retro blast
I don't consider myself a gamer in the sense that I avidly play games on a regular basis. I just play them for sheer enjoyment or to pass time, especially when something is trendy and addictive. Every so often a game comes along that reminds you why you play them in the first place. One of those games is Mr. Particle-Man, a basic retro-style game for iPhone and iPad in which you must maneuver Mr. Particle-Man to the round's "exit" while avoiding potential danger and collecting up those particles. It's utterly charming for a host of reasons and for US$1.99, you too are able to get in on the charm.
Right off the bat, I'll tell you what makes Mr. Particle-Man so intriguing: it's never the same. Every level is uniquely designed and no two feel too similar to one another. Additionally, there's constantly new obstacles being thrown at you. Just when you think you've figured out all there is to know about the game, something new comes along. For a small little dot, Mr. Particle-Man keeps you on your feet.
A clearly designated "Exit" offers relief for Mr. Particle-Man. You drag your finger around the screen and Mr. Particle-Man follows, almost as if at his own will. The motion is so fluid and flexible that it might take you a few rounds to really get the hang of it. Each level has four particles you should try to nab on the way to the exit since they boost your score a bit.
As you progress in the game, you have to continue strategizing. At first it might seem like flashing walls and platforms are your only enemy, but soon you find yourself trying to outrun a flashing demon particle (my own nickname for it,) sliding across conveyor belts or blasting through barriers. What's brilliant about Mr. Particle-Man is that the game manages to keep adding on layers without overcomplicating it or overwhelming the user with visual cues to remember.
While the game includes over 100 levels, a few boss rounds are thrown in as well. In these, a boss replaces the exit. You have to find a way to deplete the boss's power and ultimately destroy it to move forward in the game. It's an entertaining twist from the standard levels, which are already distinctive on their own.
If I had to put a single piece of paper in the request box for Mr. Particle-Man, it would be for individual access to levels. I want to be able to jump to any level at will after I've already "unlocked" it along the way, rather than just having to either continue where I left off or start over. The game already offers iCloud integration so your progress stays in sync across all devices, which I appreciate.
Mr. Particle-Man is like an instant classic. It's engaging, memorable and for two bucks it brings plenty to the table. In fact, it's actually somewhat of a sequel to Ms. Particle-Man by the same developer with the same price tag. If you're looking for a creative arcade-style title to try out, look no further than Mr. Particle-Man for iOS.
