Game Reviews

Way to Go

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iOS
| Way to Go
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Way to Go
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iOS
| Way to Go

Until the launch of the iPhone back in 2007, describing a game as 'gentle' wasn't generally seen as much of a compliment.

Gamers didn't want gentle. They wanted blood and guts and thunder - and all this just from the title screen.

Now that gaming has hit the mainstream through these wonderful little phones and tablets of ours, though, we've all come to appreciate a more civilised brand of gaming.

Way to Go is just the kind of 'gentle' game with which we're now used to whiling away train journeys and loo breaks, but is it inoffensive to the point of distraction?

Your wish is my command

This is a pretty traditional spatial puzzler starring a cast of blandly cute misfits. There's a robot, a dragon, and a... rolling furry egg monster.

All three set off through the levels, each of which is a narrow twisting pathway, in a straight line. It's up to you to divert them to the level exit in as few moves as possible by utilising a limited number of commands.

These are typically single-use directional tiles that, when placed in front of a character, will instruct them to turn in a certain direction at the next opportunity.

Level furniture such as crates, holes, and switches also come into play.

Path well trod

This simple and, yes, gentle gameplay is Way to Go's biggest strength. There's something quietly satisfying about meandering through the levels, ticking off each mildly taxing puzzle as if you were out doing odd jobs on a day off.

It never raises the pulse. The gameplay is too steadily predictable and the world too lacking in polish and imagination for that. Heck, the wizard you take your commands from is called Rob. What kind of name is that for a master of magic?

Still, there's just enough variety and ingenuity on tap here to keep your interest. Once you tire of the Adventure mode, there are three additional game modes in which things are subtly mixed up.

The standout mode here is Dark Designs. Here, the game's core rule-set is turned on its head. So, YOU have to place the obstructions into a level that already contains a set of commands.

Ultimately, though, it's the same mildly diverting brand of puzzling throughout. And your attitude towards this kind of gentle gaming will determine whether you meander on serenely through each mode or switch off after ten boredom-soaked minutes.

Way to Go

Despite generally lacking in excitement and inspiration, Way to Go is one of those inoffensive and solidly constructed spatial puzzlers that could keep you playing for a surprisingly long time
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Jon Mundy
Jon Mundy
Jon is a consummate expert in adventure, action, and sports games. Which is just as well, as in real life he's timid, lazy, and unfit. It's amazing how these things even themselves out.