The old saying "You get what you
pay for" is usually fairly reliable. But
it's not the case with the free game
"Angry Birds Go," for hiding under
the tacky adverts and the pushing
of paid content is an extremely
addictive and well-developed
racer.
Known for puzzle games in which
you hurl birds at unsuspecting
green pigs, Rovio has a new title
that transplants the Angry Birds
onto a Mario-Kart style cartoon
racer complete with obstacles and
power ups. But does this rapid
change of pace succeed?
[sidebar]
"Go" is the first Angry Birds game to
be entirely free-to-play, with
previous titles that cost $1.99 or $
2.99 with a scattering of optional in-
app purchases sitting on the
sidelines. As it is entirely free, "Go"
predictably pushes the in-app
purchases much harder, and
includes some paid advertisements
that take away from the experience
somewhat. But the result isn't as
jarring as it could be - and Rovio
can be applauded for creating a
free-to-play game that avoids full
blown pay-walls.
At the heart of any successful free-
to-play game is a solid game
mechanic, and Rovio has done well,
combining stunning graphics with
simple yet fun gameplay. Rovio
have wisely dropped acceleration
and braking from this touch-screen
title; the player just needs to steer
and drift through tracks. Although
it's no Mario Kart killer, it's pretty
good for a free game.
Each track is split into a number of
sections including one-on-one
races, multiple player races and
races against the clock.
Additionally, each character has its
own power, from exploding like a
bomb to a simple speed boost.
Although effects are fairly
negligible, it makes unlocking new
characters something to look
forward to. Meanwhile speed,
acceleration and handling are all
dealt with through the kart. Karts
can be bought and upgraded using
in game coins, although some are
bought only using real money.
It's kart upgrades that forms the
meat of the game, bought by in-
game coins won with races. Races
require a certain level in order to
compete, and this could easily spell
repetitive drudgery and grind.
However, repeating races
introduces new challenges. They
can be as mundane as "finish first"
or as wild as "finish the race
without a kart," but add a welcome
twist to already completed stages.
However, it doesn't prevent a
certain amount of grind from
sneaking into the game. While the
traditional Angry Birds formula
constantly introduced new features
and twists at every level, "Angry
Birds Go" innovates at a much
slower rate. It can leave a sense of
dreariness at times that was lacking
in previous games.
That being said, I've been playing
"Angry Birds Go" for a week now,
and I'm still playing it at every
possible opportunity. Like previous
games, "Go" has that hidden hook
that keeps drawing you back in, and
Rovio has worked out that the best
way to make a free-to-play game is
to hook players so they keep
coming back, making them more
inclined to spend money on power
ups and game extenders.
Although the game limits you to
five lives per bird (a new life is
generated every 20 minutes), once
you collect a few birds, you will be
able to play comfortably for a good
20 minutes without having to
spend money, around the same
time that five lives on Candy Crush
will normally last.
Special gems used to purchase
lives are available within game
(albeit rarely) as well, so it is
possible to store them up for those
times you find yourself stuck at the
post office with more time on your
hands than usual.
Also worth mention are the plastic
"Telepod" toys that you can
purchased. These work on their
own as traditional toys for kids,
along with the racing sets that can
be bought. However, they also scan
into most mobile devices,
unlocking new karts and races. It's a
great way of adding a new angle for
youngsters.
On that note, parents who hand
over their mobile device to Junior
should make sure that he doesn't
have the password to the account.
Some of the in-app purchases are
eye-wateringly high -- one kart
costs $50, and one bundle of gems
is $100 (with a "best value" sign
attached to it).
Rovio's dabblings in both the free-
to-play and karting genres is a
great success. Although a few tacky
in-app purchases and some
repetitiveness tarnish the
experience somewhat, the vast
majority of the game is a well-
designed, highly polished title
beaming with character. "Go" and
download it!

I no c am download ooo