Dots review

Dots: A Game About Connecting is an iOS release from Betaworks One. It is available as a free download from the App Store and carries additional in-app purchases. The game is a fast-paced puzzle that's all about connecting dots of the same color. There are no gimmicks or traps, leading to a level of simplicity that's rarely found in games. When first opened, the game instructs players to connect a couple dots. When the player slides his or her finger from one dot to the next, a line forms between them and they disappear. After a few similar trials, the tutorial comes to an end and players are sent to the game's main screen, which features two options: “Play Now” and “Menu”. Selecting “Play Now” drops the player into a game of Dots. The premise is simple: Players are given 60 seconds to clear out as many dots as possible. Any time two or more dots of the same color sit adjacent, players can draw a line through their path in any non-diagonal direction. Any dots caught in this line will disappear and the dots above them will fall down to fill the empty spots. New dots are generated from the top. Though this part of the game is not unique, when players manage to touch one part of the line to another, creating a box, all the dots of that color will be removed from the screen. This creates a quick way to earn points, and creates a new layer of strategy. Instead of clearing the most dots in one turn (thus scoring the most points), players may want to find ways to set up a box, allowing them to be in position for a high-scoring turn. Players are given three tools to help along the way. Expanders will remove all dots of one color, which is useful for situations where moves are limited to lines of two. Time Stops do as their name says: They stop the timer for five seconds. Both Expanders and Time Stops can only be used once per round. On the other hand, Shrinkers will remove a single dot off the game board, and can be used as many times as the player would like. All three tools are in limited supply, but more can be purchased using dots, the in-game currency. Dots comes with a few other features. After a round, players are able to see the high score lists, both personal and global. In the main menu, players can gain multiplayer access, which simply gives two or more players a chance to outscore each other. After each player takes a turn, the highest score wins. In the menu, players are also able to check out the trophies they've unlocked. There are a lot of these achievements, but players aren't able to see what they are until they earn them. Dots monetizes by selling the in-game currency, appropriately called "dots." Players can earn dots quickly by playing the game, but different bundles are available for 99 cents, $1.99, and $4.99, respectively, which help move the game along. Players who don't choose to buy dots won't be disappointed, as it's easy to earn currency by playing the game, so there's an abundance of currency floating around. Dots is a great and simple game that will appeal to serious puzzle fans and casual players alike. The easy-to-understand gameplay creates a wide range of appeal. Players who get annoyed by in-app purchases will be happy with how Dots never pressures them to buy anything. Most importantly, Dots creates a simplistic fun out of a style that's rarely seen in gaming. For the past few weeks, users have consistently rated Dots at 3.5 or above, as shown in AppData, our tracking tool for mobile and social apps and developers. PLAY An addictive, fast-paced puzzle game that's simple enough for anyone to pick up and play.

Social Pro Daily

Dots review

Derek Tillotson

About

Subscriptions

Events

Publications

WORK SMARTER - LEARN, GROW AND BE INSPIRED.

Subscribe today!

Derek Tillotson