Platypus iPhone Review

There are several classic genres which never tire and can generate excitement time and time again. One of these genres is the space shooter genre. They bring back nostalgic moments of frustration, glory, but most of all pure arcade fun. With the release of Platypus, I was hoping to relive some of the same nostalgic moments on the go. But my yearning for a great shooter experience on the iPhone is, sadly, still not satisfied.

Handmark/Astraware’s new title, Platypus, for the iPhone is the very same Platypus created by Anthony Flack. Done completely in Claymation, the look of the shooter is unique, and certainly not for everyone. Prior to learning about Platypus’ origins it took me a bit by surprise: the look was rather peculiar. Only after learning the extraneous process which Anthony Flack took (individual photos of hand-crafted clay-built items and ships) did I grow a new appreciation for the look of the game. So if you don’t have an open mind regarding a different style of visual effects, beware. This might not be the title for you.

The concept of Platypus is quite simple. You are an antiquated spacecraft attempting to defend your planet. After clearing all the levels within an area, you move on to the next area of the planet you defend. You won’t find anything revolutionary with the enemies. They’re very similar to the ones you’ve all seen before in many space shooters. As for obtaining power-ups, you have the ability to fire upon the power-up to modify the ability you will receive once you fly through the power-up. Each different color the power-up turns gives the player a new form of weapon, whether it be rapid fire, rockets, or a “ray blast.” Unfortunately,  it can prove to be more difficult than expected to receive the power-up desired. Since firing is automatic, you have to quickly disable firing once you’ve achieved the desired power-up state you wish to receive and then quickly re-enable firing. At times though, you will find yourself in the midst of a bevy of enemies which makes this difficult if not suicidal, and maneuvering your spacecraft is no easy task.

The controls for this shooter are dismal – both the touch and tilt controls. While the tilt controls allow you to modify your sensitivity and tilt angle, they never seem to be quite right. Lower the sensitivity and you will find yourself struggling to maneuver your spacecraft, turn up the sensitivity and be mindful of breathing. These tilt controls never give you the desired control you would like. The touch controls are better, but they too have their flaws. Maneuverability is greatly improved with the touch controls; however, you will find your fingers covering your spacecraft all the time. In which case, you can just replace your spacecraft for your finger tip. Another unfortunate occurrence is that by using the touch controls you sometimes cover up approaching enemies from the rear, leaving you entirely vulnerable.

Platypus has a “uniqueness” to it which without a doubt is intriguing. Its style is not for everyone, though, and while I was hoping for Platypus to bring back an air of nostalgia it only brought a new found frustration. The potential for Platypus to be a good run of the mill shooter is there, but without particular attention to the iPhone’s control needs it just seems to be an  iPhone game I would not recommend at any price. If, however, you can stand the control scheme, and really really dig the art style, you can get it for $4.99 in the App store.

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