Review: Ping

Ping is a game that quite literally goes hand in hand with its inspiration - the famous Atari hit Pong. The first game created by independent developer Christopher Arnold, the game was released on May 22, 2013 on Google Play for Android devices running 2.0 or higher (literally every modern android device) and has seen multiple updates. The game may also have a future on the iOS market. You can download it here as a free app.

"Inspired by the arcade Atari classic, Pong, comes a new puzzle game called Ping! Aim your way through 56 fantastic levels while jamming out to an all original soundtrack created by Link the Fire. You will come across breaking blocks, moving blocks, and even some pain-in-the-butt invisible blocks! So prepare to be frustrated like the good ol' days where you would get stuck on a level and toss your game console out the window." - Game Description

Overview

Ping is a puzzle game that has players send a "Pong-ball" through an obstacle field to reach the goal - which is an orange (or multiple in some levels). Why an orange as a goal? Cause they're good for you!...or something like that. The game utilizes very simple graphics that perfectly mimic the square shapes from Pong and other Atari classics. Using the touch screen, the player can control both the angle and speed of the ball and send it towards the goal. The catch, however, is that there is a limit to how many times the ball can bounce off walls and other bricks.

Each level has its own limit and if the goal is reach after that number is exceeded, the level is failed and can be replayed. There are currently 56 levels in total separated into worlds of 8 levels each. The menu screen allows the player to return to previous levels and to see their best scores (completions with the least amount of ricochets). The game is also currently being continuously being updated with potential plans for more levels and a possible level editor being included in the future. There is also a sequel in the works which would add a 3rd gameplay element.

Review

Gameplay: The game is a great game for killing time and for those who enjoy games requiring careful planning and timing. The simplicity of the game is what give it  its charms.

I found the touchscreen controls to be very responsive and easily got the hang of aiming and controlling the speed of each swipe. Each level can quickly be paused and restarted letting you quickly find the best way to get through the level.  The difficulty increases steadily via level complexity, moving blocks, and by lowering the amount of bounces allowed in each level which keeps the game challenging.

I also enjoy that the game does not automatically end after exceeding the number of bounces. It can be helpful (and is always amusing) to watch the ball continue bouncing across the stage to see how it behaves and where it should be adjusted for the next try. In many cases though, it helps to have luck on your side as well.

Graphics: The 8-bit graphics squares very much mimic those seen in the original Pong. The round oranges are a modern contrast.

Music: The game has a subtle background music has a calming effect rather than being distracting. The fanfare played at the completion of each has a very Atari feel about it. The soundtrack can be downloaded via the app for free or at your own price.

Ads: The free version does have ads that display in the center of the screen at the beginnings of each level, but they disappear as soon as gameplay begins which doesn't really cause any issues. There is also an ad-free version for $1.00 for those who wish to directly support the app without seeing ads.

Issues: I found a couple of small negatives about this app. One is that at the end of the 8th level in each world, you aren't taken to the next world. Instead you need to backtrack to the menu and move to the next world from there. I have a feeling that we can expect to see this issue fixed in later updates. Also, some of the level commentary tries to force a bit of humor into the game which I feel can be distracting. Some of the brighter brick colors can also be a bit of an eye-sore at times when playing for a while. The sound effects heard every time the ball bounces also sound eerily similar to sound effects found in some Pokémon games. Other than that though, this game is very much worth your time.

Overall, I give this game a solid 7/10

You really can't go wrong with a free game of this magnitude simply because you get what you (don't) pay for. If you decide to play the game, visit the game's Facebook page as well as the developer's Facebook page to show your support and keep an eye out for Ping 2!