iPhone App: Shift
= 4 stars
Reach an exit through a black and white environment that inverts whenever you press a “shift” button.
The Good
- Inspired “shift” feature. Pressing a “shift” button flips your character from black to white and upside down, so if your character was navigating a white hallway, he then turns to walking on the black ceiling. As a result, seemingly simple levels become complex and maze-like.
- Simple controls, just run left, right, and jump. Jumping is achieved not through an extra jump button, but by tapping either the left or right button, allowing you to jump while running since only one button will be down. A tiny, welcome detail.
- In a game like this, the level design is key, and they’re satisfyingly inventive.
The Bad
- While there is some variety added through keys that must be reached to unlock moving platforms, and falling spikes, the game could use more, like roving enemies to kill, or powerups to collect.
- Graphics could use some polish. Upon reaching the exit, the character just raises his hands and that’s it; it’s rather unsatisfying.
Conclusion
Shift is a unique game based around the inspired element of reversing graphics, but because of a lack of variety, I found it ultimately more similar to a multi-level puzzle game than an action one. Which game you want to play will determine whether it’s worth a download. Recommended in any case.
iTunes App Store Link: 