2-bit Cowboy review (iOS / Universal)

10 word description: Western action platformer, styled after classics of the Gameboy era. (from app store description)

10 word review: Detailed, enjoyable retro run+gun fun. Essential for platform fans.

You will like this if you enjoy: Platform games. The Gameboy aesthetic. Shooting scorpions, bats, piranha and bottles. Monochrome graphics.

The good news: Responsive, reliable controls. Detailed, interesting environments. Evocative Spaghetti Western music. Competent level design. Great blend of exploration and shooting. Coin doubling IAP is completely optional.

The bad news: Sometimes you can get stuck to a corner when wall-jumping, but this can often give you a temporary tactical advantage, so not really that bad.

Arcadelife verdict: 2-bit Cowboy is a whole load of fun, from the clever pun of the title to the original blend of unoriginal component parts. Let’s see… 2D platform game, Western theme, Gameboy graphics, cosmetic costumes bought with collectible coins, mini-quests in each level. None of those is a stand-out, jaw-dropping feature but the way they are all brought together, with a great deal of obvious care and attention to detail, makes this an addictive and entertaining iOS game that is easy to recommend.

 

Arcadelife rating

Presentation – 9/10
Visuals – 8/10
Controls – 9/10
Content – 8/10
Fun – 8.5/10
Final rating – 8.5/10

VERY GOOD

Rating categories explained here.

Version reviewed by Arcadelife is 1.0.1

2-bit Cowboy website link

Arcadelife played and reviewed this game on:
5th gen iPod Touch (iOS 7.1)
4th gen iPad (iOS 7.1)

This review was typed on a Das Keyboard Model S mechanical keyboard – check them out, they’re really rather groovy.