United Kingdom
Very
good
Summary
When I first came across ShakyTower and I was all like ‘Whoa, it’s all Greek to me’, but the proof of the pudding is in the eating as we know (and I’m throwing idioms around a bit too liberally today it would seem ;-). Anyway, I tried it out for you lot and here’s the review!
Test video
Features & Use
Section rating:
Test device
Samsung Nexus S
Android Version: 2.3.4
Root: No
Modifications: None
App details
Runs as of: Android 1.6
Apps2SD: Yes
Permissions: Network communication, hardware controls, storage, phone calls, your accounts
I have to admit that my first impression of ShakyTower was not exactly positive: I assumed it was yet another one of those ‘Hey, let’s pile stuff together’ game concept. Mercifully, I was wrong (and continued playing, despite my initial reaction). Then again, had I not stuck with the game, loyal reviewer that I am, I wouldn’t have suffered minure seizures induced by stress. Why, you ask? Well, ShakyTower can be quite trying, to say the least -- I’ll go into more detail in a bit. First, let’s take a a closer look at ShakyTower.
In all honesty, I have to admit that ShakyTower is a kind of ‘pile-it-up’ type game... that is, one of the many ShakyTower game modes is of the pile-up variety. You start off with a square and have to pile more squares on top of it. As you sway your phone as you are piling up the square blocks, the tower begins to sway as well. It’s a race against time, all the while trying to keep the tower balanced enough so that it doesn’t topple over by employing strategic building techniques, counter-swaying the tower out of gravity’s pull and reaching the checkpoints, avoiding certain areas, etc.
Sounds exciting? Well, it is! And there’s more to come (why do I sometimes feel like I’m channeling Mikey Levey?)
ShakyTower is a-whole-bunch-of-games-in-1, although squares are featured in every game. Check out the video to see just how diversified this game really is. There are lots of different types of squares/blocks (including ice, rubber, etc.), different environments (from the jungle to the Antarctica) and of course lots and lots of game modes. For example, in some modes you have to navigate a little wagon through dangerous territories, in others you have to dispose of blocks by pushing them into said danger zones. Slide across plates of ice or soar along strong air currents on the hunt for checkpoints.
I found the radically different degrees of difficulty to be somewhat annoying -- in fact, some levels are so challenging that they are downright frustrating. Buying upgrades is an option; some upgrades include items that will, e.g., buy you more time, neutralise the danger zones or slow everything down.
Bottom line:
The game is lots of fun and I predict that you won’t tire of it for a while, thanks to all the different game modes. It’s a shame about the levels of difficulty, though.
Screen & Controls
Section rating:
ShakyTower may not be the cutest thing you’ve seen, but it’s perfectly nice. Controls are relatively simple, after all, that really needs to be done is sway the device to and fro. The automatic calibrator is especially useful: it sets the sway sensor at the beginning of each level.
Price/Performance Ratio
Section rating:
ShakyTower can be downloaded for free from the AndroidPIT App Center or Android Market. There are ad banners and reminders to purchase upgrades.
Developer
Top App:
ShakyTower (physics game)
"ShakyTower starts out simple but can often offer a fiendish challenge." - (...)
"ShakyTower starts out simple but can often offer a fiendish challenge." - (...)
More Apps:
ShakyTower (physics game)
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Features
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Jul 3, 2011 4:22:04 PM
I love the option to get rid of ads with an in-game purchase of $0.99 or play for free until you get 49 stars to do the same. :)
Jul 1, 2011 11:15:21 PM
Cool. I'll give it a shot after I get bored of city story. I'm playing it a lot although I'm a cardcore gamer.
Thanks for the review.
Market Comments
A Google User, May 13, 2013
THIS GAMES A JOKE I dont normally write bad reviews but I had to cos this games terrible. Iv NEVER played a game with such decent graphics that played so bad. The help sections a joke & doesn't explain enough to help u. Im a top gamer and normally clear games yet I cant get past levels 1-3 with the lock or even 1-4 so I gave up. Your not told at all what to do with the locks. The help says balance blocks & thats it. I'll never again waste a second of my life playing this game when the developers too lazy to write proper help
A Google User, May 13, 2013
Raziman You stink! I want to create a level pack! update it and you get : +4 stars
A Google User, May 11, 2013
Amazing mind eater.. Sinking into this game is very interesting when we are into it..love it
A Google User, May 4, 2013
qlove it addicted fix it though i installed games for free stars and stars were givin to meplz fiz this i installed 12 stars worth of apps never got on dissappointed fix that and add the level pack create thing a and yu definitely get 5 stars
A Google User, Apr 30, 2013
One of the better games on the phone I've been impressed with this game, I enjoy the physics and the graphics. Most of all I like how you can purchase add free with the money you earn in game. Highly recommended and is highly enjoyed.
A Google User, Apr 30, 2013
Turned into a piece of crap. The game is now unplayable, because if I hit no thanks at that stupid screen in the beginning, it closes. But I don't want to sign up for something
A Google User, Apr 30, 2013
Money grabber It its quite obvious that the point of this game is for the developers to suck money out of the users. The levels are basically just short of impossible due to the physics. This game has a lot of potential and I would have gladly paid for it in a smoother and more realistic state. Shame. Uninstall.
A Google User, Apr 30, 2013
Yay Does not read accelerometer properly LG Revolution, which is fine because that phone stunk. Galaxy great!
A Google User, Apr 29, 2013
Sensitivity issue I used to play this game on my samsung galaxy 3 perfectly... But on my new Sony Xperia S I'm not able to play because the sensor is too sensitive, please rectify it, i love this game... Sony Xperia S.
A Google User, Apr 13, 2013
Nice mix of puzzles and dexterity “Adventure" games require a new strategy every level or two, keeping things interesting. Make sure you calibrate carefully first, and try the quick games to learn the rules and get some practice. Once the quick games get boring, forget about them and pick adventure.
@Mohammed: You're more than welcome! And thanks for chiming in.
@Dave: Yeah, it's a good option.