Login to an account using your username and password.

Sign up with AppSpy for free now:

  • Track wanted apps and get notifications sent directly to your e-mail when the price drops to your set amount.
  • Stay up to date with the latest iPhone games and news.
  • Add your own comments and reviews.
  • Receive special member offers.

Over 110976 iPhone Games, 2037 Mobile Game Reviews and Counting!

Reviews Home  »  Action Games  »  Terra Noctis
Terra Noctis

Released: 20 Dec, 2011

Reviewer: Dave Flodine

Version: 1.0.2   Size: 44.5 MB

Share Review:

Download Now

Save: 80% Was: $2.99Action Games1.0.2BULKYPIX

PROS

  • Smooth touch screen controls for a platformer.
  • Ambient and engaging sound design and music.
  • Inventive premise.
  • Great storybook art design with great use of muted color.

CONS

  • The aiming controls are a little iffy.
  • Missing a bit of a wow factor.

VERDICT

Terra Noctis borrows most of its gameplay from the Mario playbook, and when executed this well with an inventive premise and fantastic presentation, this can hardly be described as a bad thing.

Video Review

Full Review

In the world of nightmares, where the most vile and horrific apparitions that our imaginations can concoct reside, you play the role of... Allen. Hey, not every nightmare can be terrifying, and that's exactly what Allen's problem is. His teacher is fed up with him for not being at all scary, and so while looking through the library, Allen finds a book that says anyone who eats the heart of this creature deep in the forest will become utterly terrifying. We've got ourselves a quest here people.

Pretty much from the get go Terra Noctis has a Mario feel to it, and hey, if you're going to make a platformer, it's good to model yourself after the best. While not perfect, the touch controls are very good, with the on screen d-pad and jump button not feeling clumsy or obtuse. In a good platformer you want to feel like any death is your fault, and not that of bad controls, and that's what we have here. The one caveat is the aiming, but seeing that's primarily used to hit bats that when dead expose secret walkways, it's not that big a hindrance.

Actually the biggest Mario influence (aside from breaking blocks and ground pounding) comes in the end of level scoring system. In each level there are fifteen red fireflies, a gold coin, and the word 'scare' in strewn out letter form. To one hundred percent a level, all these categories need to be checked off, which is very reminiscent of the SNES classic Yoshi's Island. Aside from that, you have access to the good ol' double jump, and you gain a batty companion that you can fly on in certain sections. He also warns you of danger and alludes towards secret areas, but after a level of his high pitched noise, you'll be wishing to be rid of him.

Thankfully that's the only damper in an otherwise fantastic presentation, both visually and with the sound design. The story book visuals have a beautiful use of muted color, and the characters are all expressive. The music helps immerse you with very catchy, but appropriate tones, and the sound effects seal the deal.

If you're a platformer fan, this is worth a play. It's missing something to really make the experience pop, but what it delivers is a top notch effort of presentation, control, and design.

App Store Info

~ A Retro-Platformer like you've never seen before in the Appstore! ~--------------------------------------------------------------------------Slip into the role of a small nightmare called Allen, who is not as scary as a nightmare should normally be.Fight against countless monsters, prove your skills, solve riddles and explore a huge world that employs you for hours. Find secrets, unlock bonus levels and fight against huge boss monsters!All this with thoughtful and responsive controls to enable an action-packed and intuitive gameplay.--------------------------------------------------------------------------# # FEATURES- Perfectly responsive controls- Smooth animations- High quality pixel art graphics- Hours of gameplay- Own soundtrack, especially enjoyable with headphones- Fight against gigantic, challenging end bosses- Find friends who accompany you on your journey- Take advantage of the opportunity to equip active and passive power-ups- Collect objects that allow you to unlock extra levels- OpenFeint Support- iCade Compatible

Updates

  • Minor bug fixed

Languages

  • English
  • German

Rated 9+ for the following:

  • Infrequent/Mild Cartoon or Fantasy Violence

Requirements

  • Compatible with iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad.
    Requires iOS 4.0 or later.

Screenshots

Comments (1)

dwx882 (4 months, 1 week ago) Reply

I loved this game but I think my biggest complaint is the lack of variety. In the world map each of the 4 worlds has its own unique look, yet pretty much every single level looks the same. I think if the levels in each world had some distinguishing differences in the design it would have made it better. I also wish there were more enemy types. I still feel that this is one of the best platformers on iOS

 

 

iPhone Game Reviews Home | News | On Sale | Free Apps | Top Rated | Latest Reviews | Contact Us
© Copyright 2011 Steel Media Ltd | All Rights Reserved.