Buddy & Me Review

By , on October 7, 2013
Last modified 11 years, 2 months ago


Buddy & Me: Dream Edition
Download on the AppStore
3 out of 5

PROS

  • Gorgeous landscapes.
  • Swapping between running and flying can be fun.
  • Singing bunnies.

CONS

  • Too slow.
  • Framerate issues.
  • Needs more landscapes.

 

VERDICT

Though it's initially fun to take control of what looks like a Don Bluth animation, Buddy & Me lacks the depth of gameplay required to keep you invested.


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Some people make the case that if a game world is inviting and spectacular enough, other deficiencies can be overlooked. Now, that's not to say that the gameplay of Buddy & Me is all bad, but it's probably fair to say the its visuals are its strongest feature.

You play as a young boy whose dreams take place a magical realm full of lush forests, serene lakes, and picturesque backdrops of mountains and clouds. The world has a ethereal quality, and some of the vistas as the forest gives way to what lies behind it are absolutely stunning. Accompanying him on his journey is his titular buddy, a big furry dragon-like creature who puts us in mind of Falcor from the Neverending Story.

The boy has a double jump ability with a lifeline. Tapping after his second vault will allow him to use his jacket as glider. As your pace gradually quickens, mastering the interplay between jump and glide is important. Falling will trigger one of the singing bunnies that are following Buddy to save you. Collecting stars up your score and fill Buddy's meter. Once that meter fills you gain the ability to ride Buddy through the air, guiding the flying beastie with your finger.

It's a pretty relaxing experience - a little too relaxing, if we're honest. The pace doesn't ramp up quickly enough to get the blood pumping, leaving you trundling along performing the same old jumps for minutes at a time. And, though the art is pretty, the frame rate is surprisngly choppy, making your run appear even slower.

Beyond the cute visuals, there's nothing to distinguish Buddy & Me from the cavalcade of endless runners on the App Store. That said, the singing bunnies and animated visuals will obviously appeal to younger audiences, who may find more to enjoy here than world-wearied endless-runner fans.

Screenshots

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