Super Mole Escape Review
Price: $0.99
Version Reviewed: 1.0.1
Device Reviewed On: iPad 2
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Super Mole Escape does a lot right. With only the need to move and launch items, the game is simple to get in to. It's set up perfectly for just "one more session", just one more attempt at a high score, to collect more gems for upgrades or powerups. There's the now-traditional Jetpack Joyride structure of mission objectives to complete, permanent upgrades to buy, and consumable powerups that can be used. As well, additional characters can be bought, with better base stats and different designs. Who wants to dig through the earth with a mole wearing a top hat and monocle? Who doesn't? The characters have a real Hanna-Barbera inspiration to them, and the animations are absolutely fantastic. The game is perfect for online multiplayer, which follows the old axiom of "You don't have to outrun the mole cop, you just have to outrun the other guy." Screwing over an opponent by picking up a series of gems to prevent them from getting away from the mole cop? Always a great feeling.
The tilt controls are great, and actually are far better than the touch controls. I spent quite a bit of time playing the game on an airplane with touch controls, and I felt the tilt controls were far more accurate and easier to use. Also, the game seems to be cut from a very similar cloth as Duckers is, and both feature a similar tilting and falling section. I don't think it's a clone (and I doubt this game was made in the past couple months since Duckers was released), as the games feel different, but with a similar core idea.
There's a lot to love with Super Mole Escape. It's extremely addictive, it has a great Game Center multiplayer mode, and it has moles. Yes, it's also supported by in-app purchases for more gems, but the game hands them out frequently enough for upgrades. This is a fantastic game.