‘Taxiball’ Review
Introduction/First time booing the application
When I first heard of Taxiball, the first thing I thought of was the PC game Crazy Taxi. Taxiball is basically Crazy Taxi, but with a few different things. You tilt your iDevice to move, and there are multiple levels with 2D graphics. When you first boot up the application, you get a splash screen with the word Taxiball, shown on a Billboard, then a few developer logos. Then with a wifi connection, you need to create your profile. After that, you are taken to the main screen, which has Play, Your Profile, Settings, and Spread the Word. The settings is mainly to recalibrate the tilt of the device to a new neutral position, and to change the volume of the sound FX and soundtrack.
Sound
The soundtrack and sounds of Taxiball are very simple. But they work quite well. There isn’t much to say about the sounds. The soundtrack is a simple drumming beat, and the sounds of picking someone up, and getting money is great. But there isn’t much to it.
Graphics
The graphics in Taxiball are 2D with a few shadows that make the buildings look raised up from the ground. The graphics work well, and the framerate in the game is quite steady. The graphics work out well and the framerate is great only because of the 2D. If there was a 3D version of this game, it probably would be alot slower, and would probably not be able to see much. The graphics really matter when it comes to gameplay; how else would you play a top down labyrinth type of game if it were 3D?
Controls/Gameplay
The controls in Taxiball are just like any other labyrinth type of game. Tilt your device to roll around the map, or level. Taxiball‘s controls, however, take the roll factor to a different level. Instead of having the tilt to roll to have momentum, if you tilt in one direction, then if you put your device into a neutral position, the ball will stop in its tracks. The gameplay in Taxiball is mainly based on its controls, and its levels. You are a big yellow ball, and you need to take up fares (picking people up, and taking them to their destination). But it isn’t as simple as that! You need to roll over ice patches, boost pads and jumps to get to some destinations, while avoiding the water. These twists really add to the game, and really make it unique!
Replayability/Summary
The replayability of Taxiball isn’t quite high; with only 6 maps, and a tutorial, it isn’t that great on playing again. Even though there are multiple challenges, achievements, and high scores, once you beat the last map, every other achievement will feel somewhat useless. So if you are looking for a quick pick up and play game, with Crazy Taxi type of gameplay with a few twists, all for a low price of $2.99? Get Taxiball. A quick, simple answer.
Rating
Out of 5, Taxiball get 5; For great controls and simple graphics.
