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Released: 16 Dec, 2010

Reviewer: Andrew Nesvadba

Version: 1.20 Size: 21.8 MB

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Hook Worlds

$0.99

Action Games1.20Jeremy Orlando

PROS

Up to four unique 'endless' runners for the price of one.
Unlockable customizations.
Additional content for early buyers.
Minimal 'grinding'; attempting to perfect levels will get you all you need.

CONS

Lacks the depth of the originals; no exploration, ability customization, etc.
Fourth world lacks impact; super-hard mode instead of unique gameplay.

VERDICT

Hook Worlds doesn't feature the same depth as the original titles, however the trade-off is the ability to jump right in to the wonderful endless gameplay with three unique challenges and a fourth super-hard mode to master.

Video Review

Full Review

Rocketcat Games has gained no small amount of fame thanks to introducing gamers to the adventures of the Hook brothers (Jake and Jakob) and quite a few of their friends, however for some the appeal was eventually lost once the brutal later stages of Hook Champ and Super Quick Hook were unlocked. Hook Worlds is the next and possibly final hook-racer (at least for now), however instead of grinding your way through increasingly complex levels, players can dive in to one of up to four unique endless challenges.

For those familiar with the Hook games, each character is completely decked out in upgraded gear (in particular: long-slides, lava resistance and extended-hooks) as well as a unique ability to help with the level you're on. Getting around the level is made easy thanks to these upgrades, with basic taps causing your player to jump or latch on to and swing from objects in the level and an ability button that will allow the character to either rocket boost, fire a gun or switch the gravity in a level. Points are awarded based on the level type (e.g., survival runs reward distance and time spent alive) and are then used to unlock additional hats and hooks to pimp out your characters.

There's a surprising amount of difference in the visuals between older and newer iDevices, however both remain incredibly speedy without diminishing the overall effect and in particular, the backgrounds and character sprites remain the same (albeit without as many special effects). Each world has its own distinct feel (and not just in a visual sense) as players are subjected to obstacles unique to the level that will test their adaptability with the skills they're provided.

While the hardcore crowd is definitely covered by the later stages of Hook Worlds, this game seems to be aimed squarely at the casual crowd that were left behind in the earlier titles. There may not be as much content, but in return players are given a pick up and play racer that features all the best aspects of the Hook series. A definite must-grab for series fans and a seriously fun racer for casual gamers after something unique.

App Store Info

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Get the game before Sunday for Early Buyer Exclusives! Get two special in-game items (The Rockethook and Rocketcat Mask), wearable by all characters! Even better, get EXCLUSIVE EARLY ACCESS to the upcoming FOURTH GAME WORLD, about a month before anyone else does!

Read on to the bottom for news on the first update!
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Try to survive in four different worlds with your trusty grappling hook, as four different characters with unique special abilities! Every game world has its own all-new setting, every character has its own gameplay style. Every world is also randomized, varied, and endless, for incredible replay value.

Check out our website for a gameplay trailer and more reviewer quotes: bit.ly/hookworlds

SIMPLE BUT POWERFUL CONTROLS:

There are just two buttons. The right button controls your grappling hook, letting go detaches your hook. The left button controls the unique special ability in each game world. These simple controls will let you nimbly swing, dive, climb, run, slide, and shoot, rocketjump, or flip gravity!

FOUR GAMES IN ONE:

Swing your way through the Cursed Jungle as Gramps, as you try to escape the Ancient Watcher. Shoot your way through a haunted cove as Zelle, in your pursuit of bounties and treasure. Escape a grim future dystopia as CyberGnome 202X, using your gravity flips to evade the Gnome Cops. Early buyers also instantly get the fourth world, a tribute to both Atari/C64 games and falling onto lethal spikes!

YES, THAT'S RIGHT, CYBERGNOME 202X. AND MORE:

Rewards you can unlock and wear to customize your characters, visible on the scoreboards. Medal awards and achievements for reaching high score milestones. Blowing up haunted crabs and getting obliterated by a gigantic eye. All of the above and more, for the permanent price of 99 cents.

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First update plans:
- Unlockable endings.
- World Four: Hook Champ 1000 made available to everyone, with an added surprise!
- (The surprise is new hats)
- Requests we take from feedback.
- More!