EXCLUSIVE: SWARM Is a Great Game With A Strong Personality

Submitted by Christopher Groux; November 19, 2012




While the E4 development team has been around for quite some time now, SWARM is probably their most ambitious project to date. With the addition of some new designers this past spring, this eight person creative force is looking to make something that all gamers are able to enjoy. Luckily I think they will be able to pull it off. With a  solid blend of both old school and new school gaming ideas lead designer Taro Omiya and art designer Chris Totten seem to have created something the breaks new generational ground for a young and emerging group.

 

When it comes to gameplay, the basics of SWARM rely on players controlling a round character through a series of levels while collecting coins and trying to break time limits. On the surface, it might sound like something we've all seen before, but that changes with the addition of enemies that drive at you in massive groups while you try to move through levels as quickly as you possibly can. The only way to avoid these swarms is to either run from them, or drive them into electrical fences where they can meet their demise. Either way, once the swarm starts chasing, you've got to move fast! With plenty of half pipes and speed boosters to launch you all over the place, it wouldn't be wrong to think you’ll almost tilting your way through Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater with the addition of enemies.

On top of its unique premise, SWARM also does just enough in terms gameplay modes as well. If you don’t have the time to mess around, a QuickPlay option will put you right into time trial and collection levels with a pretty steady learning curve introducing the game’s main elements. For those looking for depth, you’ll be glad to know there’s a Story mode as well, which allows you to choose from different circular characters that each have their own narrative to tell. The plot will take you from the city, to the jungle, and beyond as you work to uncover the mystery behind the Robo Menace that is causing you trouble. To expand, you’ll even be able to but more characters with unique abilities with the coins you collect. In a sense, no matter what kind of gamer you are, these modes will be enough to please you.

With the game’s loud personality and many different ways to play, you would be wrong to miss out on your chance to give SWARM a shot. While these tilt physics games are aplenty in the App Store, you’ve never played one that looks and plays as hectic as this one. With its stellar jazzy soundtrack and excellent level design, this is a game that feels both familiar and fresh.

If you want to know more, check out this video trailer and be sure to download SWARM when it hits the App Store, Google Play, Amazon, and NOOK this December. You can also check out their popular Solitaire variant here for free! You’ll be glad you did.

 

 

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Tags: e4, indie, Swarm