1st Impressions

This is a brand new game in the iTunes store. The description that it is a cross between a sniper game and Where’s Waldo is spot on. The object of the game us to locate and “take out” the bad dude pictured for you. The cartoonish characters are identified by clothing and hair style and color. In other words, something like blue shorts, green t-shirt, brown beard. Each bad guy comes with a reward. This reward is lowered with each missed shot. Hitting the wrong person also penalizes you. Do it too often and the game ends.

The game really isn’t a violent one. No blood or exploding heads. They don’t even fall down when hit. I can understand the need for something child-friendly, but there is more graphic violence in Road Runner than in this game. Made me wish it was a bit more realistic.

The targets are a challenge to hit. The people walk at different speeds and you have to take distance into account in your timing.. As the levels progress, you get larger, thicker crowds and more obsticles. The soundtrack is nice, but I would have preferred to be able to turn down the music while leaving the sound effects alone. Maybe that could be added in a future update.

I also found it odd that the game only seemed to depict white men of the middle-aged overweight variety. Adding different genders and nationalities into the mix may not be politically correct, but I would still love to see that. This W.A.S.P. for one is weary if always being the default bad guy.

Distant Assassin is normally $1.99, but is 50% off right now as an intruductory price. I personally enjoy relaxed puzzles and card games more than fast-paced arcade ones, but the game is definately worth a buck.