Build ‘n Bash

Released last week, Skapp Enterprises, an independent game development studio unleashed their first game onto the AppStore and we thought we’d best take a look it. The name of the game? Build ‘n Bash.

I guess it was the title of the game that first grabbed me. Who doesn’t like building things? And what’s better than building things? That’s right, bashing them back down. Build ‘n Bash is described as a fast paced 3D action puzzle and in my time playing I can confidently say they aren’t wrong about it being fast paced.

On first launch of the game, you’ll be quickly guided through the basic controls of the game which involve touching the left hand controls to move the piece around your building, the right hand button rotates the piece and a tap on the building itself places the piece. You can swipe the screen to rotate your current build if you need to get a better idea of where you need to place pieces, but be warned, I’ve inadvertently place many a piece in the wrong area whilst attempting this. I can’t work out as yet if it’s due to a control issue, or my ham-fistedness when it comes to swiping the screen.

The game has 3 modes of play, if you don’t count the tutorial level which lets you practice your skills. The main focus of the game is to build buildings from falling girders in a similar, but far more complex way than tetris. Successfully create a square and it is “built” as a floor in your building. The general aim of each of the 3 game modes tends to be build your building to a pre-determined number of levels. But, don’t expect it to be easy.

Time Challenge is as its name suggests, build your building in the quickest time possible in the hope of getting on the leaderboards with the best times. I never do well with this sort of gameplay so haven’t spent much time here. But I know from experience it’s a game mode that a lot of people will spend a lot of time playing.

Character Challenge is where the game starts to become far more interesting for me, as you pit yourself against an AI opponent in a race to complete your building first. But, hold on, it’s not as easy as you might think. Whilst building both you and your opponent can launch attacks against each others buildings. Some of these you can defend against by tapping the top of the screen at the correct time, others? Well, just hold on and pray it doesn’t set you back to much.

The final game mode is the Group Challenge, this is you battling up to 4 opponents at once in an attempt to earn career points and unlock additional challenges. Oh, did I mention that if you win either the character of group challenge you get to detonate your opponents half completed building? No? Well you do, and it’s fun.

Skapp have done an impressive job here and I’m enjoying my time playing this, but unfortunately, it’s not without faults. Whilst I like the graphics, it sometimes feels like your building is too small and cramped and it can be quite difficult to see exactly what pieces you need to complete a square. Additionally, and perhaps what will put most people off is the lack of online play, the leaderboards are a welcome touch for many i’m sure but it would be even more fun if you were battling against real people instead of the AI system.

I’d have to say that the game is definitely something a little different to the other games in the AppStore and if you want to try something new, then this is one you should take a look at. The learning curve can be a little steep whilst you’re getting to grips with the game mechanics, but if you think you can persevere then hit the “buy” button now.