Solid graphics automatically run in landscape mode with an
WHAT’S HOT
entertaining soundtrack and three unique and laughable voice commentators during game play.
Installation was very straight forward and followed
SETUP
the expected auto installwizard protocols. For this review, the program was installed to a Dell Axim X3i
and directly the saved to a 256MB SD card.
PROGRAM FEATURES
There are plenty of features to list, so lets start with the line up from the developers website.
- Three difficulty levels, each with 50 castles to complete
- Infectious background music
- Three narrators to choose from including a scotsman, a cheerleader and a surfer dude
- Customizable backgrounds using one of six different skin sets
- High score table for ultimate bragging rights
- In game instructions and a newbies tutorial mode
The game automatically shifts into landscape mode after a quick splash screen featuring the Rusty Axe logo. We are brought to the main menu screen of the program and the excellent soundtrack starts. I quickly grabbed my Altec Lansing full ear headphones to take advantage of the catchy tracks being played.
Here we see the load screen. 50 Castles allows the player to stop and save their progress (5 slots) which is good since it can be boring to start from the beginning levels.
The options menu allows the user a number of controls that can affect comfort during play. Changing the SFX determine the audible level of voice commentary and sometimes it is necessary to play in stealth mode as not to disturb others. The voice option is quite fun and is one of the features that made this game more entertaining. Without giving away too much detail the cheerleader, scotsman and surfer dude will keep you in stitches as you make your way through each level. It is also important to note the mode option sets the level of difficulty and the newbie level has a short tutorial to get you started.
The high scores screen to showcase your best scores and castle building ability.
The game play instruction screen is a slow scroller that gives a user a nice overview of the task at hand and introduces the graphic and name for each of the games characters. Only one section of the instructions were confusing in that it referred to a rotate symbol that was not seen during the course of gameplay. Other than that, the instructions, coupled with the newbie tutorial mode provides enough information to get started.
The scrolling credits screen.
Exit confirmation screen.
PLAYING THE GAME
Level 1 in the newbie mode gives us our first taste of how the pieces fit into the puzzle (castle). A flashing prompt lets you know where to tap/click. Note the solid brown piece in the window matches the area on the main screen. Thus the objective is to complete the puzzle and fill in all black areas with pieces.
Once all areas are filled in, the level is complete. Bonus points are awarded for time left on the clock and level completion. In later levels you may not like the tile in the window. By clicking the bomb, that tile is destroyed and a new tile will appear.
At the end of each level the player is given the option to save and continue or simply continue (but there are bonus points awarded for not saving each time).
As the levels progress, the tiles get smaller and there are larger areas to fill. The tiles also come in different shapes and colors and at times need to be rotated to fit. When placing a tile that fits the black area color scheme, you may have to tap that area a few times to rotate the tile. You will hear a ratcheting noise as the tile spins (you can also hit the calendar button to rotate, but that ended up being cumbersome for me). Once in the proper alignment, the tile falls into place. The rotating coins are bonus points. Be sure to listen for the voice commentary, as it is a good laugh.
Introducing the chickens! The tiles continue to get smaller and now we see the addition of the first character, the chicken. Your job is to protect these feathery friends from snakes. Each chicken lost subtracts time from the countdown clock, while each survivor at the end of each level gains "chicken bonus" points.
This is also the first time we see the cannon. Tapping on the snake (and in later levels, the maurader) fires the cannon ball, which by the way, does not miss. It can get quite frantic killing enemies, placing tiles, saving the chickens and racing the clock. The marauder does not attack the chickens; rather he destroys tiles in the castle giving you more work to do. Kill him quickly if you can.
Under the small window there are 4 boxes just above the bomb. By placing matching tiles on the main board and filling the four boxes, additional time is awarded which can be very valuable to you in later rounds.
The graphics stay clean and crisp throughout the levels, even as the tiles get smaller. It may be necessary to realign the screen from the setting menu to reduce unnecessary taps.
I was unable to find other types of support other than the "contact us" link on the Rusty Axe website and the instructions in-game. However, there is an addition of a users forum on their website, but there have been no posts as of yet.
HELP SUPPORT
Trial and error did find that the calendar button could rotate the tiles during gameplay, but only a left-handed user would benefit from this as the orientation of the landscape mode places the buttons to the right. The contacts and mail buttons will pause and resume the game. That information was not found anywhere in the instructions or the website.
OPTIONS
SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
The game did not present any bugs or errors during 6+ hours of play. My wish list includes a bit more clarity on the instruction screen, and few more prompts in the Newbie tutorial. It would also be nice to be able to change options in the middle of the game from a pause menu. By far, the biggest item on my list is the ability to completely flip the landscape mode to both orientations. Incorporating the ability to use a button to rotate the tiles would save thousands of screen taps and damage to screens (for those who still refuse to put screen protectors on).
BUGS AND WISHES
50
PURCHASING
Castles can be purchased at the pocketnow.com
store for $19.99. The Rusty Axe website has additional info, a downloadable
demo, and a link to the 50
Castles Forum as well.
PROS
Fun and challenging
Great Sound elements
Fifty levels of play
- Ability to save and load games
(five slots)
CONS
Lack of ability to change options from pause mode
Price
Requires alot of tapping, limiting the ability to play for long periods of time
Rusty Axe has again offered up a great
OVERALL IMPRESSION
game concept that is entertaining and still challenging. From the required
amount of screen taps and click references in the instruction screen,
my impression was that this game was designed for a PC environment.
It appears to be converted into a mobile platform, leaving some details
on the design table. However, there still is the desire to continue
play and enjoy the upbeat music, voice commentary and increased difficulty.
If you enjoy the challenge of completing a game, the 50 unique levels
are waiting for you.
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