S&S Mobile Review: Joe Danger iOS

Title: Joe Danger iOS
Format: iOS
Release Date: January 10, 2013
Publisher: Hello Games
Developer: Hello Games
Price: $2.99
ESRB Rating: E

I was always a big fan of Joe Danger on the PS3 and Xbox 360, and when Hello Games gave us the option to play the game on the go, I quickly jumped all over it.  Joe Danger for the iOS proves that games on the mobile platform are just as good as their console counterparts.  




Presentation and Core Gameplay:

You get all the frantic gameplay and eye popping visuals from the previous versions, but the addition of touch controls add whole new dimension to the game's complex mechanics.  Graphically, the game really hasn't changed much from it's console brethren.  You still get the same cartoony and flashy art style that have made the game noticeable from afar.  The use of color in the game is still second to none, the game is filled with bright and vibrant colors, that can really make your iOS device with Retina Display melt.  It seems like every level you play on, there's something new to gaze at, and that's where Hello Games really thrives at.  Their Joe Danger games have always mixed it up in terms of environments, whether you're in a brown and dry desert, or you're in a bustling and busy city.  The game knows how to mix things up. Complimenting the game's impressive visuals, the soundtrack is just as good.  The catchy tunes will haunt you long after you've put the game down.  Even though the game has been available for other consoles for quite a while now, this isn't just a measly port.  Hello Games built this game from the ground up for the mobile device.  It's nice to see the developer put in the extra work to make this game unique, when they could've just ported the console version, and it would've probably sold anyway.  The biggest change to the gameplay has to be the new touchscreen controls, they found a way to make the game's mechanics work on a iOS device.  

We all know that controls can go either way on a mobile device, it can break the game, or it can make it better. Pulling off wheelies are executed effortlessly, while ducking and jumping will require a bit more thought, the controls still never get in the way.  The game features over 50 new challenging levels that will constantly test you, this won't be anything new to veteran fans of the series.  The game always encourages you to restart a level if you're not happy with your performance, the better your performance, the more levels will open up.  Each level will have a set of 3 objectives, your performance will be dependent on how many objectives you actually complete.  Again, this is nothing new to anyone who has played a Joe Danger game before.  Each stage puts it's emphasis on the platforming, the game doesn't want you to focus on driving, just navigating the obstacles.  There are a lot of good things in the game, but the fact that the game doesn't feature a dedicated multiplayer mode, it's a little disheartening.  They could have utilized the iOS' Game Center app to connect players together.  It's a minor gripe for me, but it could be a deal breaker for other players.

Final Thoughts:
Joe Danger for the iOS is a great game, and it maybe the best way to play Joe Danger.  If players can get past the lack of multiplayer, then its no question that this is the best Joe Danger out there.  iOS games continue to get better, making me more of a believer that the iOS can serve as a major gaming platform.

S&S Rating: 9/10

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