iPhone App: Space Ace
= 4 stars
Help space ace Dexter save Kimmy from the evil Borf, wielder of the dreaded Infanto Ray. Port of the classic arcade game featuring traditional animation by Don Bluth.
The Good
- Near exact port. The numerous animated sequences are just as I remember it. The pleasingly retro animation and bright colors are vividly alive on the iPhone.
- Variety is added through three levels of difficulty, with additional animated scenes in the harder levels, and the occasional ability to switch from Dexter to Ace (a subplot is Dexter continually shot by an “infanto ray” which turns him into a scrawny, annoying kid).
- Settings allow you to have beeps indicating moves, infinite lives (a must if you just want to get to the end quickly), vibration, and placing the controls as a d-pad in either corner or arrows spread out each side of the screen.
- Excellent Don Bluth animations: Borf the villain is a cackling blue heavy, Ace is alternately annoying and buff, and Kimmy is hot. The entire adventure is an entertaining cartoon in and of itself.
The Bad
- In either location, the controls block a fair portion of the screen, which makes it sometimes hard to see the next move or enjoy the animation because you’re looking at the arrows.
- While this adventure has better animation and a quicker pace, I have fonder memories of Dragon’s Lair.
- Wish there was a “view entire animation” mode where you could watch the entire game as a cartoon without any interactivity.
Conclusion
Despite less than ideal controls, fans of the original Space Ace won’t be disappointed. I’ve finally achieved my childhood dream of beating this game. Now where’s Dragon’s Lair?
iTunes App Store Link: 