LEVEL 22 Review
PROS
- A really clever twist on the stealth genre.
- Back-tracking doesn't feel like tedious busywork.
- Well-placed checkpoints.
CONS
- Too much swiping required to view levels.
- Easy to be rumbled due to narrow field of view.
VERDICT
Level 22 is a refreshingly unique stealth-'em-up which is unfortunately hampered by restrictive camera controls.
- Full Review
- App Store Info
You have to feel for poor old Gary. After a night out on the town, he discovers that not only has he overslept, but that if he's caught arriving late, today might be the end of his career. The goal of Level 22, then, is simple: travel to the twenty-second level of the company building without being spotted by anyone. It's a task that would test the skills of Solid Snake himself. We'll have to make do with Gary, though.
Given the stealth genre is usually obsessed with spies and ninjas, it's quite refreshing to see these mechanics at work in such a mundane setting. Tapping the screen will move Gary to the desired location. Precise timing is required to dodge the views of your constantly moving co-workers.
To help him remain undetected, Gary can collect useful items along the way. These include the trusty newspaper, or the ever reliable guard-distracting donut. Each stage has a distinct layout, and its up to you to figure out which paths to take, and which sneaking techniques will get you to the exit safely. For competionists, there are secrets in each stage which require a little more exploration to uncover.
While the items at your disposal are easy to use, and tapping around the world is responsive, your windowed view is an issue, particularly on the iPhone. It can be tough to get the lay of the land as your flit between hotspots, and the movement patten of that one unseen employee can easily catch you out and ping you to last checkpoint. Luckily, the checkpoints quite generouly placed, but managing your movements while frantically swiping the camera around in pressure situations can be a pain.
A stealth game should be about planning and execution, but in Level 22 you're not given quite enough information to plan, nor enough control to execute movements perfectly. It's a shame, because the concept and the lengths Gary will go to, to achieve his goals is quite amusing - and a little horrifying. It's still fun, and a valiant effort at doing something different. Unless you have an interest in stealth gaming, though, you might want to sneak past Gary's escapades.
Screenshots
$1.99
