Review: Flying Hamster
Side scrolling shoot-em-up with a hamster
Hamster-based side scroller Flying Hamster (also available in HD) was recently updated for MFi controller support. In support of the update, both the standard and HD versions of the game are temporarily available for free.
As I’ve said in several other reviews, side-scrolling shoot-em-ups are a well represented genre of game among iOS games with controller support. Fans of the genre have a wealth of options available to them.
The good news is, this abundance of choices does not, in any way, diminish Flying Hamster. This game has it’s own place in the pile, with a presentation and design unlike the others.
As should be immediately evident from the graphics, there is a general cuteness and lightness of presentation that is at odds with the other shoot-em-ups listed. Whereas those games tend to have you flying spaceships in levels set against the blackness of space, Flying Hamster has you controlling a… flying hamster… against a series of colorful backdrops and cartoony landscapes.
Don’t let the graphics style fool you, though. Shoot-em-ups are not a genre known for easy or forgiving gameplay, and Flying Hamster does not disappoint. The cartoony graphics belie what is actually one of the most difficult shooters available on iOS, controller or no. Beating the game unlocks a harder difficulty – for most gamers, that won’t be necessary.
Flying Hamster’s best elements don’t come across well in still pictures. The graphics here are fluid and beautiful, the music is engrossingly old-school, harkening back to the days of 16 bit consoles. The story is told through short and cute cartoony interspersions between levels. As a game, everything you’d expect from the genre – Powerups, bosses, swarms of enemies, challenging levels and swarm formations – it’s all here, and it’s all well done.
This is a great game for shooter fans who are looking for something a little different than the norm, but no less challenging. With lite versions available, and the regular versions temporarily free, downloading this is an easy recommendation.