Review: Icebreaker Hockey for iPhone

Details

Parent Category: Gadgets

Category: Video Games

Published on Monday, 20 June 2011 15:00

Written by Christopher Lai

Digital Legends and NaturalMotion Games presents Icebreaker Hockey for the iPhone or iPad. Breaking into the top 25 games downloaded in the US, Icebreaker Hockey gives a new twist on the classic sport game genre.

Like in hockey, your goal is to score on the opponent's goal. Sounds easy enough right? However, a plethora of blood thirsty bruisers are waiting to check you into the ice. In addition are different features like boundary walls which restrict your path way and scoring zones enticing you to stray into even more danger. If you get through in one piece, you can even taunt your opponents for that perfect icing on the cake.

Overall, Icebreaker Hockey is an reaction game rather than a traditional hockey game. Utilizing the motion-controls for steering and touch screen buttons for skating actions, the player gains points by dodging the opposing players and skating into designated zones. Your success in the game is not determined on whether you score or not, but rather on the points accumulated during that process.

Each level is configured differently with its own unique combination of scoring zones, walls and opponents giving the game an additional puzzle-like feel. The scoring zones are colored areas on the ice which give extra points when skated over. The route planning is key as some of these zones are near restricted areas of the rink or the outer wall which instantly ends the level when touched. Finding the balance between route planning, taunting and skating to gain the most amount of points is the puzzle.

In general, Icebreakers was very rewarding especially with Game Center capabilities allowing for achievements to be unlocked. The achievements allow for some replay value and is a good motivator to keep playing especially for those bragging rights.

The entire games is wrapped around stunning visuals in one of the best looking iPhone games out there. The detailing put into the stadium, players and the ice itself is remarkable. The graphics play smooth with the controls and give that necessary touch of realism to the experience.

Simplicity is the biggest drawback to Icebreaker Hockey. While there are plenty of different challenges with many levels, solving them can seem repetitive with only three basic hockey moves at your disposal. This lack of variety is highlighted in endurance mode where wave after wave of opposition players comes at you going for the highest score.

While Icebreaker Hockey is no flying-V, it is a fun, creative game for anyone owning a iPhone or iPad regardless of hockey knowledge. It's easy to play, easy to pick up and easy to enjoy.

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