SimpleRockets Review

SimpleRockets is a physics-based sandbox game tasking players with building rockets and exploring the solar system. With a great physics engine, smart user interface, and well-designed trainings and challenges, SimpleRockets feels like having a fully-featured space sim like Kerbal Space Program on a phone.

Unlike the name implies, SimpleRockets is not exactly the most simple game to play. Figuring out what all of the ship components do and mastering the complex navigation controls definitely takes some practice, but luckily SimpleRockets has a rather robust set of training missions to properly acclimate newcomers.

Once the training is done, players are then free to either experiment to their heart's content in the game's sandbox mode or take on one of the game's various challenges. Building multiple rockets with various stages and components is the key to success in both modes, and a leaderboard system keeps players trying new iterations of spacecraft and perfecting their designs. Of course, another draw for the game comes in watching an ill-fated construction be pulled apart and blown up at the hands of the physics engine.

As fun as SimpleRockets may be, however, the game does have a few minor flaws worth noting, mainly in terms of controls. Dragging and dropping rocket components in the construction mode can be a pain, especially since some components are easily obscured by fingers, and steering one's rocket can also be tricky due to the touch control scheme. Other than these problems though, SimpleRockets is a blast.

SimpleRockets, put simply, is a great space simulation game for iOS. It contains practically all the sim components that players would want on the go, without too many compromises. Sure there are a few control issues, but the hiccups that occur thanks to these problems can also end up creating hilarious mishaps. So go ahead and pick up SimpleRockets, it's only $0.99 for a robust space simulation experience on mobile platforms.