Current Price: $2.99
LE: NO
Reviewed at v1.0
A top contender in International Games festivals, Ruben & Lullaby is a unique cross between the graphic novel and the game.
Ruben & Lullaby have been dating for five months, and at the start of the game, is their first quarrel. From then on, their fate as a couple is in your hands. Tilt your device left and right to progress their argument, shake and hold a finger down to madden someone, or run your finger across the screen to calm them down. Gameplay is unique and may take people some getting used to; the learning curve isn't steep, but provides a different angle of direction than typical games.
The art work, by Ezra Claytan Daniels, is stunning. The subdued colors keep the character's emotions intact, while helping gamers distinguish frustration from disbelief. The emotions of the character's come alive, even though there are no animations. It's a definite achievement of the artist.
There are 5 outcomes of this game, although I've only ended up with 2 so far. There is no 'direct' way to come out with these different outcomes, forcing the player to uniquely imagine the scenario.
Listen to the music as you play--it seems to mimic the emotions of the scene. This adds another layer of gameplay and helps build up the emotions in the scene.
I have never played a game from the App Store quite like Ruben and Lullaby. Graphic novels, I've read, games, I've played--but never before have I encountered a bridging of the two in an application. This game provides a new texture to gaming, and shows just what the iPhone/iPod Touch can do.
As far as gameplay, I know it will not appeal to everyone. Others may feel its too boring, or feel the actions available are limited. As far as replay value, certain players may feel frustrated because they end up with the same outcome, even though there are 5. Perhaps in the future, more scenario's will be developed?
However, this is a unique game, and doesn't play out the same way for everyone. Gamers are in control of the scenario, and the combination of artwork, music, and player actions help develop the gameplay.
Ruben & Lullaby takes only a few minutes to play until you reach a the end of the scene, but it is interesting to see how the scene plays out each time. This is a unique game that combines elements many have never seen before, like myself. At $2.99, purchasing this app is an investment in something unique, and deserving of attention. The art work, music, and unique gameplay help create Ruben & Lullaby, but ultimately, it's the gamers who are control.
Graphics: 5/5
Sound: 5/5
Replay Value: 3/5
Value: 4/5
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