Platform Puzzler 'Toki Tori' Finally Arrives and is Worth the Wait
posted by arn on May 22nd, 2009 1:55 AM EDT in $4.99, Platform, Puzzle, Reviews, iPhone games, iPod touch games
Two Tribes' long awaited iPhone version of Toki Tori [$4.99] has finally arrived in the App Store tonight. The game was originally released for the Gameboy Color back in 2001 and has since been updated for the Wii and now the iPhone (published by Chillingo).
Toki Tori is a puzzle platformer in which you control the actions of a cute chick across 80 levels. The goal of each level is for Toki Tori to free his siblings who have been mysteriously kidnapped. Each level has a number of eggs that much be rescued and a certain inventory of tools to accomplish that task. The levels consist of a side-scrolling platformed environment with ladders, obstacles and enemies. Solving a level involves finding a way to collect all the eggs without getting stuck or killed by an enemy. Judicious use of your special tools is the only way to succeed.
Tools come in a variety of shapes and sizes including: a telewarp, bridge builder, freeze-o-matic and more. You are only given a subset of tools and a limited number of each to solve the levels and you will find yourself starting them over to get it right.
The game is beautifully animated and offers a wonderfully polished experience. I found the controls to be very well adapted to the iPhone touch-screen. Simply tapping on a location will move Toki Tori to that spot. The final version's controls have seen significant improvements in sensitivity over the early beta version we looked at in February. In the end, the controls stay out of your way and let you focus on the game itself.
In the past, I've criticized iPhone puzzle games for being too easy and too short. Balancing level gameplay is an art and Toki Tori clearly benefits from being a long established game. While I haven't yet completed the 80 included levels, I found the difficulty ramped up nicely and provided some particularly imaginative challenges. Unlike some games the solutions to the more advanced levels weren't always immediately obvious which make for a much more enjoyable and rewarding experience.
This gameplay video shows two levels: an easy and a more difficult one.
[ Full HD version | Low Bandwidth version ]
The game is divided into four distinct worlds. Once the normal levels in a world are complete, you may proceed to the next world. Meanwhile, a number of "hard" levels from the completed world are also unlocked and can be played at any time.
Overall, Toki Tori is a wonderfully challenging puzzle game that has been very well adapted to the iPhone and comes highly recommended.
App Store Link: Toki Tori, $4.99
Wow, I haven't seen Arn beaming like this in awhile. This must be damn good. I'll probably pick this one up. If you get time Arn just quickly, is it at least as good as Bobby Carrot Forever? That is the puzzle/adventure game with which I tend to set my standards by, and I've found none thatcompare as of yet.
I don't know if it has a much gameplay as Bobby Carrot, but it's up there, and in some ways I prefer it. I found some of the level solutions to be very interesting/original. In Bobby Carrot, a lot of it was just figuring out what order to move through the level. This adds a little more from what I've seen.
arn
Thanks. I'm getting it. You and Albie should get a % of profit sharing from Chillingo…speaking of which they have been MIA in the thread?????
If you like this kind of games, you should try "Archibald’s Adventures". Toki Tori is better than Bobby Carrot, but Archibald’s Adventures is better than Toki Tori in my opinion. It has way more levels and more different types of puzzles. The graphics aren't as good, but that's not the point of these games anyway (they are still pretty good).
the game seems interesting (nice graphics and quite fluid), but if the music playing in the video is the actual music in the game… For me this would be a Killer (meaning a no-buy)!! Man we don't need Zamfir-like music in ANY game…
P
Definately one to pick up, like the review said it's a fleshed out game suited for the iPhone.
Just a note: With Arns very positive, also check out Big A's review n the Toki Tori thread-5 stars. Guess you really don't want to miss this one.
It's worth every cent.
Very nice. Between this, Peggle and all the tower defense games I've gotten recently, I think my commutes on the train will be much more enjoyable for months and months to come
Toki Tori is a game that will sweep you away, and you won't even see it coming. Two Tribes has brought a game to the App Store that gets all the elements right. Whereas there are other action/puzzlers that are excellent, most are off the mark on either controls or interface etc… Not this one. I love the easy, hassle free controls, graphics/animations are aces, challenge levels up expertly, interface is a breeze as is the speed of the game. Flawless execution. Sound is befitting. Wonderful game that is "over-hype" proof. Who could complain about 4 worlds and 80 levels? Not me.
$5 should be no sweat for a…*gasp*…polished title that ramps up the competition level that other developers should heed before releasing titles that aren't up to snuff.
Seams like a really solid game, have to get it now then
One of the best games on the iPhone and without a doubt, the cutest one. Great stuff.
First thoughts: Great production values, EXCEPT the music, which was composed by someone with a PhD in How to be Annoying.
I really am enjoying this game. Really well put together mate. Graphics are splendid. Top drawer stuff. Sort of like my strikes and my amazing physique, for I am Steven Gerrard. As I would say, ITS THERE.
I am an IGN guy, but when it comes to the iphone this site blows it away. The forums are great. I'm basically basing my purchases on you guys. I know that this is probably not the place for the site "fanboyism", but to make this post not completely out of place let me tell you. I bought the game and it is great. Thanks.
Must… resist… urge… to… buy… $4.99 games…
I always buy these games at $4.99 then two weeks they drop to $0.99 doh!
LMAO at "control a cute chick across 80 levels"
*facepalm*
lol 80?? jeez that will be one tired chick. as for the game tho.. its pretty cool
I just bought this game based on this review, expecting this cute chick and all I got was this stupid chicken! I want my money back!
they should release games for firmware 2.2 compatible… I have a jailbroken itouch and its at firmware version 2.2
This game sadly works only on 2.2.1
I love it as well. This is so polished, the animations are great, the puzzles are well balanced, as well as the difficulty progression. I agree about the music, a bit annoying, i wonder how they managed to fit all of that in 9.9 MB. Great job!
http://www.twitter.com/moleki
Hands down the best $4.99 I've spent in quite some time. Addictive, fun and easy to learn gameplay, beautiful and smooth graphics, challenging – but not to the point where you want to throw your iPhone out the window.
ZenBound + Toki Tori = Chillingo is two for two
Just got around to buying it this afternoon and I'm delighted. Very well done!
There is an option, btw, to turn the music off and just leave the sound effects on. Personally, I find it much better that way.
Anyone finished the game yet, I tried so hard but was unable to complete the last hard level, Bubble Barrage hard level 6, if anyone did, please give me a hint, I found the wii solution but it was of no use since there is a slight difference between them.
Sorry Caithlene, the extra ceiling on the right from the start stumped me too, anyone smarter?
WHERE IS TOUCHPETS