Its not often puzzle games on Smartphones and Tablets reel me in. Angry Birds had me playing for a short time but ive never even looked at the likes of Candy Crush Saga, or those word games people keep clogging up Facebook feeds with. Im a RetroHead afterall; give me the brilliant Arcade Box on my Nexus which allows gamers to play 1980s classics like Double Dragon, and I am happy as a schoolboy who just discovered his Dad's porn stash (come on, own up).
But a few days ago, I stumbled across the delightful Stay Alight by Wyse Games Ltd, and like the main character in the game, a light went on in my head. I was instantly impressed by the gorgeous graphics streaming out from my Tablet and the one-more-go feel of the game itself. So simple, so challenging! Its as perfect as perfection gets with these type of game. Ive seen Facebook friends get frustrated over other puzzlers on their Walls, but Stay Alight, while it certainly has annoying moments, never makes you want to drop kick your device into the Plasma tv. And believe you me, its an achievement to get me not to Hulk Smash.
So what gives? In one word: Stink. Germs and pollution have descended the world and our only hope is a little chap with a lightbulb for a head (who looks pretty neat). It works pretty much like Angry Birds: aim the arrow at an angle towards the germs and hurl balls of light at your grubby foes. As you progress, you will get different types of light balls that all have unique powers such as explosions or the ability to fragment. You also get a bulb headed chum to toss the balls to, when the angles get too awkward for you. It all works pretty well and the brilliant designs of each level will keep pushing you forward. Giant dolls heads appear, cassette tapes and stiletto heels, all adding a surreal feel to the game. It really does look the biz.
The first world (includes a whopping 60 levels) is free and you can purchase other worlds for a very reasonable 59p each. That to me is fantastic value for your dosh, especially when you consider how much thought and hard word Wyse Games put into this beautiful title. All in all, if you are a fan of puzzle games on Smartphones/Tablets, you'd be a fool to miss out on Stay Alight. A game that is easy on the eye, but harder on the brain.
Brat Score: 5/5
