Robot Unicorn Attack 2 (iOS) review

Robot Unicorn Attack 2 is a new release from Adult Swim and its regular collaborator PikPok. It's available now as a free download from the App Store, and carries additional in-app purchases. The original Robot Unicorn Attack, which began life as a Web game and then saw numerous ports and quasi-sequels on both the Web and mobile, was one of the games that, alongside Canabalt, helped to popularize the "endless runner" genre. Marrying simple controls with challenging gameplay, the original Robot Unicorn Attack was an immensely addictive game that saw players challenging a series of randomly-generated levels in a constant attempt to better their score. The only controls were a jump button and a dash button, the latter of which could be used to break through certain obstacles. Robot Unicorn Attack 2 hasn't tampered with this existing formula all that much, but there are a few notable changes. Firstly, rather than randomly-generated levels, players tackle a different stage each day. There is no play-throttling mechanic, so players may challenge the level as many times as they please in a single day and, because it is the same each time, theoretically get better and better each time as they learn where the various obstacles are. Secondly, the "metagame" has been expanded upon considerably. Now, the player is tasked with a series of Jetpack Joyride-style "missions" to complete, each of which rewards the player with "stars." Attaining a certain number of stars allows the player to level up, which subsequently unlocks new features such as the ability to purchase boosters and other upgrades. Upon reaching level 7, the player becomes eligible to compete in the online battle mode, where all players split into two teams and their combined scores are pitted against each other over the course of the day. Other online features such as a daily goal and a community goal become available at level 7, and these help the player to level up more quickly. One big sticking point for fans of the original is the fact that the iconic song used in the first game -- "Always" by Erasure -- is apparently nowhere to be seen in the new title. It's not completely absent, however -- users have to level up to 4 first, and are then able to acquire it, along with several other songs, via $0.99 in-app purchase. Given the number of App Store reviewers complaining about the apparent absence of the song, which is inextricably tied to the Robot Unicorn Attack series, it's clear that this was a somewhat questionable decision, though likely to be a profitable one -- at the time of writing, the top in-app purchase as reported by iTunes is, unsurprisingly, "'Always' by Erasure." Others have responded with mixed feelings to the game's new free-to-play model. As the player levels up, they earn the ability to purchase temporary boosters and permanent upgrades for their unicorn using collected crystals, with quicker progress being made by those either willing to pony up for more currency via in-app purchase or, at the very least, the $4.99 "doubler" upgrade. To be fair to the game, it is a lot more generous than many other free-to-play titles out there -- crystals can be earned at a good rate through normal play, and are generously awarded on each level up. Additional crystals can also be earned by bragging about particular achievements on Facebook and Twitter, but in an attempt to regulate spam, the opportunities to do this are relatively limited. There's also nothing stopping users setting their Robot Unicorn Attack 2 Facebook posts to "Only Me," which means they can get the benefit of the crystal bonuses for sharing without having to bother their friends or promote the game. On the whole, Robot Unicorn Attack 2 is a good game with plenty to do. It remains true to the original game's formula but adds a metagame with a wealth of content atop the basic gameplay. There is plenty for players to see and do and, while it's apparent that many App Store users are resistant to the new game purely because it's free-to-play with in-app purchases, Robot Unicorn Attack 2 is far from being as exploitative as some other titles available on the App Store. In fact, aside from purchasing the alternative background songs, most of the content in the game can be acquired for free with enough dedication, and since there's no "paywall" as such, players can simply play as they please and unlock content at their own rate rather than suddenly running into a challenge that is completely impassable without making an in-app purchase. While this may not be as profitable for Adult Swim and PikPok in the long term, it certainly helps to build more goodwill among the player base -- which is ultimately rather more valuable. Robot Unicorn Attack 2 is currently ranked at No. 4 in Top Free Apps, No. 351 in Top Grossing Apps, No. 4 in Top Free iPad Apps, No. 3 in Top Free Games, No. 262 in Top Grossing Games, No. 3 in Top Free iPad Games and No. 291 in Top Grossing iPad Games. Follow its progress with AppData, our tracking service for mobile and social games and developers. Play A good evolution of one of the original "endless runner" classics, with a free-to-play model that doesn't actively get in the way of player enjoyment.

Social Pro Daily

Robot Unicorn Attack 2 (iOS) review

Pete Davison

About

Subscriptions

Events

Publications

WORK SMARTER - LEARN, GROW AND BE INSPIRED.

Subscribe today!

Pete Davison