By Gary Kearney
I
suppose these things are everywhere nowadays. Somehow I missed out on them for
the most part and the few that I did see did nothing to leave an impression. I'm
talking about the Tower Defense (TD) or Defend Castle or shoot whatever shows up
from the other side of the screen games. They have spread like weeds on the
iPhone and most are just not anything to write home about. Ahh, but in every
weed garden (they do have gardens, right?) there is bound to be the wayward
flower. So is PandaMania: The Legend of the Fu Manchu a weed or that rare
flower? You know what to do to find out...
PandaMania: The Legend of the Fu Manchu by Fizz Pow Games is a game where you
play as a world-class bowman (bowpanda??) that has had your Fu Manchu stolen by
an evil thief. So, yeah, it's a serious game...not! What it is is a very
entertaining take on the overpopulated TD genera. You're a panda on a mission to
not only get you Fu back but along they way to liberate towns along your way.
I believe there are few things that set PandaMania apart from this crowded
genera. First,you're a panda. Done deal right there. Second, you have/had a Fu
Manchu. Any game where the Fu is a central plot element is alright by me. Third,
the sense of humor. Fourth, great art style and music. Oh, and you're a panda, a
panda with a bow.
As is the standard for TD games, you are on one side of the screen and
enemies come at you from the other side. This just keeps happening until either
you finally destroy enough enemies to clear the level, or enough of them get to
your side of the screen and damage you. Doesn't sounds too exciting or
challenging but PandaMania proves this wrong on both accounts. PandaMania has
over 50 levels spread over 5 different lands. Each one of the lands has its own
look and personality and there's not a stinker in the bunch. The enemies are
matched to the level and some of the tougher ones take a bit of talent to deal
with.
Your weapons include flamings arrows, frozen arrows, multiple arrow, and
shock arrows. Knowing when to use each one is key to keeping your panda healthy
and progressing. There are boss fights and these are really well done. The game
is smooth with no hiccups. The game does a terrific job of introducing the
gameplay and guides you along the learning curve just about perfectly.
The only slight concern is the $2 price. I don't tend to spend more than .99
cents on an app unless it's something special. Well I'm here to tell you that
PandaMania is worth the price and I can't see how anyone would feel cheated in
the slightest. Even once you finish a level you'll find yourself going back to
try and get a higher score and it's part of OpenFeint for those interested in
that kind of thing.
Final Rating: 95%
