Deflex review (iOS / Universal)
July 28, 2011♫ “And every little thing the reflex does
Leaves me answered with a question mark”
10 word description: Deflect lightball around obstacles and into targets. Puzzle/action game.
10 word review: Proof, in any was needed, that my brain doesn’t work.
You will like this if you enjoy: Trippy psychedelic games.
Now that's a lot of sheep. They are sheep, aren't they?
The good news: It’s a few steps beyond Minotron 2112 and Minotaur Rescue in terms of trippiness and relaxing psychedelia. Graphically, it’s hard to think of anything else on iOS (not by Jeff Minter) that is anything like this game.
The bad news: Fans of the author’s iOS shooters (the two games linked above) may find this too much of a departure from the straightforward destructive action of those games. Personally, I discovered that my brain doesn’t work as far as this game is concerned. It had to happen, I suppose, but it’s a real shame it happened on this one because it looks so fascinating.
Arcadelife verdict: I am in a tiny minority that just can’t get on with this game. Listen to the universal acclaim and read the glowing reviews on the app store. If you’re unlucky, like me, and your brain just refuses to comply with this game, just accept the fact and spend a few hours crying in a dark room. To avoid karmic repercussions, I shall award this game infinity out of infinity, because that’s probably how long it would take me to get anywhere near mastering it.
Arcadelife rating: ∞/∞
Version reviewed by Arcadelife is 1.01
Llamasoft website link
ArcadeLife : Life vs Video Games 
I agree with this review. JM has really produced some classics already for iOS (I really, really love Minotaur Rescue, and I’m pretty good at it too :)). I just don’t get this game though. The first time I played it, I didn’t really know what I was doing and seemed to be playing for ages, unlocking loads of levels with ease, yet not really knowing how, nor what the challenge was. I ended up quitting before losing. I tried it again today, and the only difference was that I lost very quickly, but I still didn’t really feel like I had any true control over the game. In fact, half the time, I had no idea where anything was – the game is so trippy, you can quite easily lose sight of everything. The problem for me isn’t that it isn’t a shooter – it’s just that I don’t get it. I’m in the minority too I think. infinity/infinity is a good rating.
Minotaur Rescue though… pure class.
BTW Jeff, if you’re reading this, any chance of wild boar making an appearance in a future title? 🙂