Very few iOS games can accomplish spanning multiple genres in one game and have it work fairly well. Targeting LLC does just this with their new adventure game, Panda Sweet Tooth ($0.99, App Store Link), although the developers do consider the app to be an adventure game because it includes both levels and worlds.
Gameplay
In Panda Sweet Tooth, you play as a panda who has to keep healthy by eating fruit scattered around each level. You must avoid enemies by jumping over them or scaring them away. These enemies are trying to steal you fruit. The enemies can be scared away by tapping on the screen with two fingers. If you scare these enemies away, you can also collect fruit from them. If you run into them, you’ll loose the fruit, which is your health. There is also bamboo along each level. This is something else you need to avoid. If the panda each too much bamboo, it won’t be able to stay fit, run, and jump.
Eventually, if the panda eats one too many bamboo shoots, you have to start the level over. Interestingly enough, I did find the bamboo a bit useful. If the panda eats one bamboo and avoids the rest, he will run slower, which will make it easier for you to avoid or jump over enemies and the other bamboo shoots, and collect berries.
There are also toadstools, which you can use to gain your health back if you eat bamboo. One thing I would have liked to see differently, instead of the panda moving to the right on its own like an endless runner, I would have liked to control it myself since Panda Sweet Tooth is considered an adventure game. Panda Sweet Tooth also features 30 progressively harder levels with 6 different worlds.
In a way, Panda Sweet Tooth resembles an endless runner because most of the levels feel the same, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. I think they went in this direction to make it easier for a younger audience to play. Panda Sweet Tooth also resembles an endless runner because the Panda runs on its own to the right without you having to direct him, which is the case for most endless runners.
Graphics
Panda Sweet Tooth Full has bright and vibrant graphics. They stick out really well. All the levels and worlds are full of color, which make the game even more eye pleasing. The presentation explaining the backstory has a comic book type feel to it. The backstory and cut scenes don’t last long. I would have been nice to see them use it a little more than what they did.
In all, there are four different versions of Panda Sweet Tooth. There are two HD versions for the iPad, which make the graphics even that much better. One is a free version, Panda Sweet Tooth HD, which contains the first three levels. You then can purchase the whole game through IAP. The paid version of Panda Sweet Tooth Full HD for iPad is $1.99. The free version for iPhone also contains the first three levels. You can buy the game through IAP for $0.99 or just buy Panda Sweet Tooth Full for $0.99. With these options, you have plenty of choices when trying out the game.
Conclusion
Overall, Panda Sweet Tooth Full is a fun game for anyone younger or older. The controls are what make the game easy to jump right into it. Basically you just touch one to jump or twice to double jump, then you use two fingers to scare the enemies away. With its simple controls, anyone can pick up and play it right away.
The music and sound effects are a bit repetitive, but they’re fun to listen to, and they’re catchy. It goes well with the gameplay and helps move the game along well. Rarely do you run into a game that’s straight forward for anyone of any age, yet challenging enough to keep you coming back for more. If you’re looking for a fun time waster or a distraction for a few minutes, try out Panda Sweet Tooth Full.
Price: ($0.99, App Store Link)
Rating: 3.5/5[rating:3.5]
Pros:
- 30 levels and 6 worlds of gameplay
- Great for anyone of any age
Cons:
- Music is a bit repetitive
- The story and background is sort of broad and general
