Sometimes the simplest games are both the most intriguing and often the most original. For me, iPolygon could easily fit that description. In a way you could describe it as a breakout clone, but the paddles are also the bricks you need to break. Add to that the fact that you have a 360 degree playing field, and iPolygon certainly adds a new spin to an old genre.

Each level starts out with the outline of a polygon. Enclosed in that polygon is a ball and an *. Your job is to hit the ball around until it makes contact with the *, at which time it will grow spikes. When the spiked ball hits one side of the polygon that side will shatter, and another * will appear. Ultimately you must destroy all but one side of the polygon to proceed to the next level. You get points for each side of the polygon you break, and additional points if you collect the $ that appears every once in a while. You have 3 lives, and you lose one each time the ball escapes whatever is left of your polygon. Lose all of your lives and its game over. It probably wouldn’t hurt to mention that you have to start the level again when you lose a ball as well.

5 More Sides To Conquer

iPolygon uses tilt controls to turn the polygon, and it actually works fairly well. However, I would highly suggest playing the game on a full battery if you’re going to play for a while, because you’ll be spinning the device a lot and you probably won’t want to have a power cord plugged in. Personally I couldn’t see myself playing the game for hours on end, but rather using the game as filler when I have a few minutes to spare. Naturally, you might feel differently.

The graphics are simple but effective. I particularly like the fact that the pieces of a shattered side can actually get caught in the remainder of the polygon, and they still interact with the ball as if they were actually pieces. That’s a really nice touch. The sound effects are decent overall, and a shattering side sounds pretty cool. There’s no music which is a pity, as the lack of continuous sound does get noticeable at times.

I snagged iPolygon during a time when it was being offered for free, not really knowing what the game was about. I’m glad I did. On a device that’s plagued with numerous clones of all the most popular puzzle games, it’s nice to run into something fresh every once in a while. As of the writing of the review this game was priced at 99 cents, and that’s still a steal for a new take on a venerable game genre.

Final Verdict: Recommended
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