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Released: 28 Jun, 2011

Reviewer: Dave Flodine

Version: 1.2 Size: 7.3 MB

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Async Corp.

$0.99

Save: 80% Action Games1.2Powerhead games

PROS

Variety of game modes.
Atmosphere of working as a corporate drone.
Catchy music.

CONS

Atmosphere of working as a corporate drone.
Sync gameplay could have been more front and center.

VERDICT

Fans of matching puzzle games should give Async Corp a try. While not treading new ground, it accomplishes good gameplay with flair.

Video Review

Full Review

Puzzle games can fall into the trap of slapping a new coat of paint on an old concept and trying to pass it off as something new. What they should be doing is taking that concept, creating a unique world around it and then giving the player choice as to what type of puzzle game with these mechanics they wish to play. This is what Async Corp achieves.

You are a new employee at Async Corp and your job is to make packets. How are packets made you ask? By swapping colored tiles from two separate stacks so that a 2x2 (or larger) grid can be created and shipped off. Shipping off more packets not only keeps the game mode going, but it earns you promotions and tips (which are emailed to you on your menu screen which can be accessed at any time). If you swap tiles that end in the creation of a packet in both stacks, you have created a sync, which will boost your efforts sufficiently.

There are four game modes to choose from to complete your tasks. Quota has you quickly creating packets to stop the quota bar rising. Inversely, Zoning has you creating packets to stop the same bar falling. Async mode is all about strategically creating frequent and large sync bonuses (with no sense of urgency), and freeplay is self explanatory.

Async Corp has a very simple interface with plain colors that reinforces not only a dull workplace, but putting the visual focus entirely on the packets. The music is extremely catchy and aids the puzzle solving well, but after a while the track does get old and you might find yourself muting your iPhone.

While the Async mode does place focus on creating syncs, the majority of the game can be played creating normal packets, with syncs being a happy bonus. It would have been nice to see this concept more realized, but for those who enjoy matching puzzle games and want a touch of variety in game modes, Async Corp is a very well realized puzzle experience.

App Store Info

From Powerhead Games, the makers of Glow Artisan, winner of IGF's Best Mobile Game Design 2010 award, comes their latest addiction, ASYNC Corp. Reviews:Pocket Gamer: [Gold Award]"Beautifully presented and utterly compelling, Async Corp. is one of the best iOS titles you’ll play all year"Kotaku: "Gaming App of the Day"!TouchArcade: "...easily one of the most compelling puzzle games I've played on iOS. The whole package is fantastic, with cheery art and music, and creative color-matching gameplay."Fonehome: "If you’re after a fresh puzzler that doesn’t just play like another Bejeweled clone, check out Async Corp." Do you like to play video games? Are you a fan of puzzle games like Tetris, Bejeweled, or Lumines? Do you want to help make a difference in the world? If you answered 'Yes' to any of these questions, then ASYNC Corp is the place for you. Join our company and help make the world a better place! There’s no work. It’s all play with ASYNC Corp. It’s that easy! Gameplay: Your task at ASYNC Corp. is to create and send Packets. A Packet is a 2 x 2 (or larger) block of the same color. To make a Packet, a player selects a single Unit from each grid. If a 2 x 2 Packet can be created, the Units will swap and a Packet will be formed. Just tap the Packet to send it off to one of ASYNC Corp's many Packet Handling Facilities. Innovative Puzzle Design: Like Glow Artisan before it, ASYNC Corp is a unique and innovative puzzler, unlike anything before it. Four Awesome Modes of Play: With Quota, ASYNC, Zoning, and Freeplay Modes, players will clock in countless hours “playing on the job” for ASYNC Corp. It’s that easy! Colorful and Charming Art Style: Happy faces make for happy employees! New Themes to Earn: The greater your productivity at ASYNC Corp, the more ASYNC Corp’s Board of Directors will reward you. Acquire new Themes by achieving your Packet Quotas. At ASYNC Corp the only limits are your own!It’s that easy!