But Which Is Better? #1

Every person in this entire world has had to choose between one thing or another.  With money being as tight as it is today, many of us are forced to decide which is better worth our time and money.  This is especially hard if the choices are similar in genre or content.  Should you buy "Scott Pilgrim Vs The World" or "Kick-Ass?"  How about the "Nintendo 3DS" or save for the "Sony NGP?"  To help make life easier for you, I'm introducing a new article titled "But Which Is Better?" to weigh out the pros and cons of similar games and movies. 

Today we pit two pocket-gaming giants against eachother.  These bird-centered titles have collectively been #1 on the iTunes app store for over a year and still remain in the top 5 today.  Both priced at $1, which is truly worth your 99 pennies?  (*Answer: Both!  Stop being cheap!)  But we're not here to discuss your penny-pinching, we're here to decide:

WHICH IS BETTER?



ANGRY BIRDS



TINY WINGS





OR 

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS

Angry Birds is truly a cultural phenomenon with over 100 million downloads, popular plushes, costumes, a tv show in the works, a spin-off title, and multiple devices supporting it.  Seen as the first game to legitimately give pocket gaming giants Sony and Nintendo a run for their money, Angry Birds remains one of the highest grossing games on the App store and nearly a year and a half after it's release, it continues to be downloaded daily.

Tiny Wings recently released and while not the first title to dethrone Angry Birds at number 1, it's the only title that has remained at the top of the Paid apps for weeks.  While still being relatively new (only a month old) many have already predicted that Tiny Wings will be the Angry Birds of 2011. 

GAMEPLAY

Angry Birds gameplay is simple in concept, but perfect in execution.  Similar to the flash title "Crush the Castle," here players slingshot birds at pigs in an attempt to retrieve their stolen eggs.  Along the way, new birds with new powers are introduced as well as more difficult level designs.  Tiny Wings on the other hand, doesn't really have levels, but has more of a free-flowing feel.  Your bird's wings are too small for him to fly on his own, so he must use the momentum of hills to assist his flight.  Perfectly timed dives into the curves of hills allow your bird precious seconds in the air as he continues forward until the nightfall comes and he falls asleep.  While both games are enjoyable, they each are different in play styles.  Angry Birds is more of a luck based game as opposed to Tiny Wings careful precision and timing.  Both are easy to pick up and nearly anyone can play either title but I'd have to give Tiny Wings the edge in this category.  With Tiny Wings, if something messed up, I didn't have anyone to blame but myself.  Often times with Angry Birds, I would grow irritated at getting unlucky bounces or pigs that I thought I should have destroyed, still sit there at the edge, just looking at me with that ****-eating grin. 

Winner: Tiny Wings

CONTENT

Tiny Wings has many different islands in the game, but they really feel like palette swaps at best.  I'm assuming the developers are working on new skins or possibly bird-modifiers but just like Doodle Jump, there really is only so much you can do with these never-ending games.  I'm sure there can be additions like multiplayer added in the future, but for now gamers are only given tasks to accomplish during their runs.  Angry Birds has over 240 levels with new content given consistently!  Aside from the main objective, there are tons of golden eggs to find, a story (sort of), and multiple birds.  There really is no contest here and even though Tiny Wings is still a young property, I don't really think they could have a chance of competing with Angry Birds content based solely on the different gameplay styles. 

Winner: Angry Birds

FUN FACTOR

While there's no doubt about Angry Birds popularity, surprisingly I've found a good amount of people that either hate the game or find it downright boring.  Some find the game to just be lacking in engagement and while some games can pull off the "Aim, Shoot, Cross Your Fingers and Watch" gameplay (see Peggle), a lot of people can't stand Angry Birds.  Tiny Wings is much more engaged and has that addictive quality of other arcade titles like Pac-Man CE.  I often found myself saying, "Okay just one more game" more then a few times after playing and sadly the same can't be said about my time with Angry Birds.  If you own both titles, what compels you to play Angry Birds more: the fun of the levels, or the need to beat the levels?  Most flock towards the latter and this doesn't translate to "fun" in my opinion. 

Winner: Tiny Wings

MORE SATISFYING

We all play games for some type of satisfaction and while I've had my share (tomahawking in CoD, getting a pick 6 in Madden, etc) I get an incredibly satisfying feeling when my bird (I call him Beardy) transitions from one island to the next in Tiny Wings.  If you have no idea what I'm talking about, rewatch the video above and you'll hear him cry "YAHOOOO" with such joy that you can't help but feel good.  However, the satisfaction I get from sticking it to those pigs in Angry Birds is a feeling I'm sure EVERYONE has experienced.  The mocking smile they give whenever players fail is downright infuriating, making it all the more satisfying when you do eventually succeed.  Similar to the joy gamers get when they've earned an achievement/trophy and they see it pop up on their screen, we often will do mundane tasks just to hear that satisfying ping. 

Winner: Angry Birds



SUMMARY

To be honest, I'm not really the biggest fan of Angry Birds and if given the choice between that or Tiny Wings, I'd definitely play Tiny Wings.  However, Angry Birds is the perfect title for phone gamers in that you can stop and play at anytime, anywhere.  You can launch one bird now, reread my post, and then finish the level up after without ever missing a beat.  The same can't be said for Tiny Wings which requires more concentration.  I highly recommend getting both titles but you're torn between quantity (Angry Birds) and quality (Tiny Wings) and if you had to twist my arm, I'd have to recommend Angry Birds.  There is just too much content here that more then warrants the asking price but hopefully Tiny Wings will insert some new features in future downloads. 

WINNER: ANGRY BIRDS!

So what do you think of my new article?  Do you agree with my choice or do you feel like I'm a blind fool?  Leave me a comment or message and suggest some other games/movies you'd like me to pit against each other!  Either way, thanks for reading!

Hot Springs Story

iOS Devices (2/28)
$3.99

Hot Springs Story is Kairosoft's follow-up to one of my favorite iOS titles, Game Dev Story.  I loved Game Dev and everyone who even tried the game became instantly hooked.  My friend Roski literally deleted it from his phone because it was too addictive.  Suffice it to say, the game was really good.  However, after a playthrough or two, there really isn't much left to do and you don't really go back to it.  Thankfully, Kairosoft released Hot Springs Story and fans can get addicted again!  But at a whopping $4 is it worth buying? 

If you've played Game Dev Story then this game should instantly appeal to you.  There are similarities, but at the same time many differences in Hot Springs Story.  Instead of becoming a successful Video Game developer, you're trying to run a Hot Springs place where you must balance money, satisfaction of customers, decor, and compatibility.  I initially didn't understand all of the mechanics but quickly figured out what to do.  Aside from targeting specific demographics, you are constantly trying to rank in various magazines that grade scenery, restaurants, or your springs themselves.  Springs is more engaged compared to Game Dev but that's not really saying much.  Here you need to upgrade scenery, add perks to specific facilities, and consistently add to your constantly growing land.  Trust me when I say, it's much more fun then it sounds. 

Although I enjoyed the game, I definitely would have to say that Game Dev Story is better in more ways then not.  Maybe it was due to the fact that in GDS you were designing specific games and titled each one as you eagerly awaited your scores, feedback, and sales but I truly feel GDS is superior.  Throw in the fact that it's also cheaper and I'd definitely recommend it over HSS.  However, that isn't to say that I don't think HSS is worth it, just that if you had to choose between the two, GDS would be the better choice.  Some design flaws from GDS (like not being able to play landscape style) have been remedied and fans will definitely appreciate them.  But just like with GDS, Hot Springs also suffers from a lack of replayability.

Pathetic

Not much in replay value
$4?  (supposed to be $5 I think!)
May not be engaging enough

Very Nice!

Tons of fun
Improved Battery Consumption (from GDS)
Simple yet addictive
Visually and Audibly appealing

FINAL GRADE: B-

I truly wanted to give this game a score, but there are a lot of factors against justifying anything higher.  The price is kind of steep, there isn't much to do after you beat the game (knowing Kairosoft, there won't be any updates neither) so you kind of get the game as is.  A solid title but I'd recommend waiting for a promotional price drop.

Why Haven't You Played This Yet? #4

Legendary Wars by Liv Games
iPhone/iPod/iPad
$2.99 .99c

Are you a fan of Plants vs Zombies or tower defense games in general?  Are you a cheap person who insists on paying no more then $1 for games?  If you answered yes to either one of those questions then download Legendary Wars NOW.  Normally priced at $3, they're doing a sale and I happily picked the title up.  After putting some time into it I can say that it truly is a lot of fun.  Many reviewers have stated that this game is actually better then PvZ and to that claim, I disagree.  Plants vs Zombies has an unrivaled charm that anyone regardless of age can enjoy along with some of the simplest yet most satisfying controls on whichever platform the game is on.  That's not to take away from Legendary Wars though which actually improves on some of the PvZ aspects, while also having some of their own.  For example, after you have chosen a unit to control and pick which lane to progress in, it isn't the simplest task to switch to another unit and you often times find yourself sending a character out to die.  This isn't a deal breaker though and is most likely being remedied in the upcoming update.  Another issue one might have is that there aren't nearly as many units at your disposal in this game compared to PvZ, but like the debate in MvC2 and MvC3 (more on that another day) more doesn't necessarily mean better.  In Legendary Wars each unit can be upgraded and leveled up individually, opening up different methods of strategy.  Do you upgrade your knights for cheap powerhouses, or do you improve your archers for an aerial assault?  The RPG elements are welcome and with endless modes plus the ability to replay levels, I can easily say this game is well worth your money even at the regular price of $3.

Bottom Line: ITS ONLY A DOLLAR SO DOWNLOAD IT NOW!
Plants vs Zombies fans finally have some new material to play
RPG elements mean you can upgrade the game to fit your playstyle
Multiple enemy types and unit types (though not as many as PvZ)
Decently sized questmode

Dead Space (iOS)

Developed by Iron Monkey Studios (released 1/25/11)
Price: $7

Before I start this review let me first clear up that Dead Space for iOS is NOT a port of the console version.  Dead Space is actually an independent story with a different protagonist and is sort of an interquel. 

If you read my Dead Space 2 review then you already know what you're getting into with the iPhone/iPad version.  If the screenshot doesn't wow you then check out the gameplay for yourself.  Dead Space is truly one of the best looking titles on the iPhone (along with Infinity Blade and Chaos Rings) but graphics mean nothing if gameplay doesn't deliver right? 

Dead Space is going to shock you with how natural the controls feel.  The left side of the screen controls movement while the right side is aiming.  Unfortunately there is no inversion for aiming but I'm sure EA will release an update.  I play inverted and had no problems adjusting to the game so you shouldn't have a problem too.  Along with amazing controls, you're given a surprising amount of content from it's console counterparts.  Upgradeable weapons and suits?  Check.  Multiple tools for destruction?  5 including 2 new ones.  Scares and a great final battle?  Check and check.  The last point may come as a surprise because I didn't think there'd be many scares in the iPhone version.  I'm happy to say that while not nearly as good as it's console brothers, it does deliver and have even heard of some gamers too scared to continue playing.

Dead Space for iPhone clocked in at about 3 hours for me to complete the first time but can be beaten in under 2.  While not a long game, there are definite replay values here with the developers providing phone backgrounds to unlock along with a bevy of achievements.  You can even link your EA account to the iPhone to unlock a power node and a special secret in Dead Space 2.  The developers took a lot of time to create a decent product and there's even some decent voice work done.  The story itself is okay but what do you really expect from the iPhone?  If you're a fan of 3rd Person Shooters or Survival Horror, do yourself a favor and buy Dead Space on iOS. 

Final Grade: B+



Why Haven't You Played This Yet? #1

Game Dev Story by Kairosoft
Iphone/Ipod
$2.99

Game Dev Story is a business simulator not unlike Lemonade Tycoon (or so I've heard.)  Your goal is to build your own Video Game Company from the ground up.  You design video games for different platforms, all while hiring different employees to work on design, sound, graphics, and overall fun factor.  You figure out which genres pair well together and decide who you're marketing towards, hoping for a great review score from the video game magazines.  Annually they honor games with awards and often times your games get nominated.  Can you build your company up and create your very own video game console? 
This game is one of the most addictive games I've ever played on any system be it handheld or not.  Every person I've recommended this game to has instantly been hooked spending hours playing as if it were mere minutes.  It's hard to describe what exactly makes the game so addicting however.  Maybe it's the excitement of seeing how well your game sells or maybe it's the hope of getting the game of the year honors.  Something about this game makes it almost instantly enjoyable and I found myself spending hours working on my next game.  One negative note: Once you beat the game and get to be a top publisher, the game almost becomes too easy and starts to lose it's appeal. 

Bottom Line: Worth the Money
*There's a lite version so there's no excuse not to try the game.