Comparing one game to another can be illuminating, but it’s not helpful if you've never played the games in question. When it comes to
Zen Bound however, the issue is more prosaic: there’s absolutely nothing you can compare it to. Only when it sits in your hands can you understand just how it transcends comparison.
But that’s what you’re here for, so I shall endeavour to put
Zen Bound into words.
Zen Bound presents you with a series of carved wooden ornaments which need to be painted using a taut line of rope. Winding the rope around the ornament lays down the paint. The goal, naturally, is to cover the entire surface area of the ornament with paint by cleverly wrapping it with rope. Think of it as gamer bondage with a splash of DIY thrown in for good measure.
The rope is attached by a nail, pulled tight by an imaginary source somewhere off screen. Tilting the handset changes the direction the rope is pulled, allowing you to navigate it carefully around the often intricate shapes. By touching the object, you can also rotate it in all directions, helped at times by using two fingers to twist it into whatever position you currently need.
Each level has a limited amount of rope, so it takes a steady hand and a thoughtful disposition to get inside every corner and round every contour before tying the rope off onto a second nail.
There's no time limit to pressure you to paint each object quickly nor are there any other elements that prompt urgency. On the contrary,
Zen Bound possesses a meditative quality that pervades both presentation and play. Objects don't need to be completely painted before moving to the next either - the generous difficulty curve offered through the minimum percentage covered limit allows you to partially paint ornaments and still access later levels. You can also stay with a level for as long as desired to work around every odd corner and crevice. The motivation is entirely yours.
This same tranquil spirit flow through the game's presentation. Levels are selected via cherry trees, their gnarled branches adorned with tokens representing each shape to be bound by rope. Pink blossoms bloom with each successfully painted ornament, the petals gleaming in the light of paper lanterns that sway according to the movements of your handset. All the while, ethereal tones encourage the contemplation.
Zen Bound treads a fine line between game and toy then. While it offers the objective-based play of a game, it also entertains casual tinkering. The emphasis lies in experiencing the sheer joy of the interaction. But regardless of whether you treat it as a game or a clever application, the spirit remains the same: simplicity, creativity and beauty.
Joined:
Feb 2009
Post count:
261
Hey how come I can't find this app on the app store?
Joined:
Feb 2009
Post count:
3
because it sadly hasn't been released yet. but we're all hoping for it to be on the app store soon.... soon..... curious as to where the reviewer got his copy from. just knowing someone can play it at will makes me want it more :(
Joined:
Jul 2008
Post count:
400
They're hoping it'll hit the App Store today - that's when it's scheduled for, though the actual release time is at Apple's mercy.
It's supposed to be today, which is why the review went up when it did. Fingers crossed it'll be with us any time now.
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Feb 2009
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261
Spanner, any idea as to the price?
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Feb 2009
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3
its going to be $4.99 in the US, something in the relms of £2.99 here in the UK........... still waiting for it...........
Joined:
Sep 2005
Post count:
302
Played this game a while back at a show for 5 minutes and also saw the videos in the IMG Awards - looked awesome then, really cool to see that the final game lives up to the promise! Zen out of ten?
Joined:
Feb 2009
Post count:
261
Yeh apart from the fact it still hasn't been released! Spanner could have saved the review for after the game had been released -.- I now find myself checking the app store a lot in the hope that it's been released...
Joined:
Jul 2008
Post count:
400
@ Wong: I know what you mean. I keep obsessively checking to see whether it's landed yet!
If it's any consolation, I think Chillingo are doing the same - they're at Apple's mercy right now :-S
Joined:
Feb 2009
Post count:
261
It's out! Hurray!!!
Joined:
Jul 2008
Post count:
400
Huzzah! This is what your iPhone was made for!
