Glow: 27 Stages, 1 Finger

Posted on January 8th, 2009. Written by Arron.

One title I came across while browsing the store this evening was Glow [App Store]. It’s a title with a simple concept – but does it really deliver?

Brought to you by Empty Clip Studios, Glow is a colourful little title. Using the iPhone’s touchscreen you will draw your way through 9 stages, under 3 increasing levels of difficulty.

Gameplay
The game features 3 levels of difficulty; Casual Medium and Challenging. On entering the game you’ll see a grid of 9 playable sections. Each available game will be symbolised by a certain object – also a clue as to what you may have the collect. You’ll also get a quick basic overview of the value of each item in the upcoming level. In game, play is very simple. Draw a loop around the appropriate objects which relate to the level subject, all the while trying to avoid catching the red ones. For example, if the level was aimed at music, you’d lasso up some mics, drums etc … the catch being; the line you draw around the objects must cross or meet to count. If that wasn’t enough to add a little bit of challenge into the mix, your lasso will only reach so far. Stretch too far, and the glow you once had will fade to nothing.

At the top of the game you’ll see your progress bar. Each level is timed, and the time indicator up top will slowly run out. Top left is your current score. You can gain more points by collecting whats called a ‘combo’. To do this, simply catch two or more (different) level-relating objects, again avoiding the red. If you need to remind yourself which combos will get you the most points in a certain level, just tap ‘Combos’ top right. Dependent on how good you are, and how many combos you achieve, your ‘rating’ bar (top center) will gradually fill up, giving you a final rating out of 3 stars.

Now this is all very well and good, but I found Glow lacked depth in every aspect. It’s literally – lasso a few objects and try to beat your score. I don’t know, maybe it’s me … but for a title to have such a fun and exuberant name as Glow, I found myself expecting more from it.

There’s nothing really substantial about Glow’s game play, nothing intense anyway – I suppose it just is, what it is. Aside from the game’s play and concept though, the visuals are what really make Glow. Polished and strong. François Bertrand (designer of Glow) has cleverly managed to create a fun yet sophisticated feel to the game, while also ensuring he kept some of that iPhone ‘class’ we all know and love.

Overall
A simple title which feels like a game to be played on iPhone and iPod touch. An achievement in itself. Glow is quite strong as far as visuals go, but lacks depth to it’s game play. Because of this, I found Glow isn’t a title you can really bring yourself to ‘rave’ over. I can see you wanting to pick this up in three cases; 1. If you like shiny things, 2. Just need to pass some time away, or 3. If like me you find yourself to be an impulse buyer …

Current status: “It’s Worth a Look”

Reviewed at: v1.0
Reviewed on Firmware: 2.2
Download size: 2.6MB
Released on: 17th Dec 2008
Retails for: £0.59 / $0.99

Compatible with: iPod touch Gen 1 & 2 / iPhone Classic / iPhone 3G