Reviewed – Slapshot Frenzy
In this review today, I shall be looking at the Slapshot Frenzy game produced by Skyworks, and is avaliable on the iTunes app store, for the iPhone (though it works fine on the iPad). This game usually retails at 99 cents, however to celebrate memorial weekend, it is free. For those of you not wishing to pay, there is a lite version for free, that features the free skate mode only and no scoreboard.
Please note that I did review this app on my iPad, so the graphics do look a little blocky as I ran it in the 2x mode, though I did one screenshot at its usual resolution to show you what it is like.
Slapshot Frenzy
Amongst the endless supply of shootout games, air hockey games and generic hockey fighting games, this app sits. The app has a rating of just two stars and some rather unflattering reviews.
The description states:
Can’t get enough of the hockey season? Think you have what it takes to score top shelf? Now from Skyworks comes another addictive masterpiece, slapshot frenzy.
(Menu Screen)
Presentation
The icon for the application is simple to say the least, and it is literally just a goalie mask on top of a black background. The game’s creators “Skyworks” have slapped their name on top of this, which I feel is unnecessary, as it detracts what could be a simple and easy to recognisable icon. It is however clear from the icon that this is a hockey game, though it doesn’t stand out amongst my other icons.
The game is played horizontally, and loads straight into the game menu. There’s little load time on my iPhone, and it is non existant on my iPad.
On the menu screen you have got two gameplay options, two high scoreboards are avaliable to view; and this includes offline and online scores. Sadly this game has no online functionality beyond the scoreboard, so I am not entirely sure there’s much point to having this function. I will note that it seems there’s a max of 138 scores on the board; so I am assuming this game isnt too popular, or people don’t like to submit their score.
In addition to the scoreboards, there is a very limited option panel, with music and sound fx controls, with a very short list of instructions – which in my opinion is brief, and nicely to the point.
(Action near the net)
Gameplay
The controls for this game are pretty simple, to win a face off you double tap your player, to move you drag the player where you want them to go, double tap that player to pass, and to shoot you simply double tap where you want the puck to go. To make the shot go high, you simply triple tap.
The game features two modes: Classic Mode, and Free Skate Mode.
In free skate, you have two minutes to score as many goals as possible with two players against the goalie.
The first thing you notice on loading up the game I guess is the sound. I was quite impressed with the sound effects, they feel quite realistic, from the organ tune to the crowd.
There is a responsive cheer from the crowd if you score, and a responsive sigh if you miss. The skating sound is accurate sounding also and the shots sound convincing.
Controls however feel fairly unresponsive; especially when I ran it in 1x mode (iPhone). These did improve when I enlarged the screen; though this is not possible for iPhone or iPod touch owners.
The worst control functionality I felt was the faceoffs, which seemed unresponsive, and it was hard to win a faceoff. Moving a player felt sluggish, though shooting felt fairly responsive though moving your finger away from the player to shoot felt awkward.
The other option is classic mode, which is similar to free skate, except there is an additional two AI players. However, the AI cannot score – but then again, this is a slapshot game, so I guess it feels more like a hockey training drill. No defense options are avaliable and checking never really happens, you just “get” the puck. The AI does however get in your way, and they feel well designed. The AI goalie will move to stop your shot, and it does make scoring a little harder – so don’t expect to rack up a mass amount of goals on your first run.
Sadly, if you like to choose “teams”, it is not an option – you are the blue team no questions.
No further functions exist, which is a shame, as this could work well as a basic online versus game, or even a one device two player game.
(Faceoff on Classic Mode)
Graphics
The graphics aren’t that bad. The players are all the same (recoloured), but the players are detailed and the rink looks realistic. The audience isn’t the most detailed however, but I feel that is not a downfall; and the main parts of the game such as the players do look good.
A nice touch is that when you go near the net it does zoom there making shooting much easier.
Menus are clear, buttons are finger sized and it is very easy to navigate.
(Game in regular mode, with slightly more crisp graphics)
Lasting Appeal
Admittedly, not that long. I found the game getting a little tiresome after three or four 2 minute free skate sessions, and the classic mode got a little frustrating due to the controls. However, I expect that it is something I will pick up and play occasionally, perhaps while waiting for the train or a bus maybe, as I know the game wont last too long and I won’t need to worry about being distracted for too long / being interupted.
Overall
Is this game deserved of its bad rating on the app store? Not in my opinion.
For 99 cents or even for free if you are willing to live without “classic mode”, you get a short, fun little shoot-out game. It doesn’t require you to remember several thousand controls; and the graphics are more than acceptable for an iPhone game.
Yes, the controls are a little unresponsive, and the is no online / multi player functionality beyond a scoreboard; but I wouldn’t be surprised if at least one of these issues is fixed in a future update.
Did I mention there is a free version of it? Try it yourself.
Summary
+ + Good Graphics
+ + Awesome Sound Effects
+ Fun to play on the go
- No multiplayer functionality
- Scoreboard feels meaningless
- -Unreliable controls
Rating – 6/10: Decent