InkvadersTo be perfectly honest, arcade games are not a huge attraction for me.  As I’ve said before, I am more of a puzzle kind of game.  Arcade games just never hold my attention…until this one came out.

Inkvaders is a new title from Chillingo.  I predict that is is going to be a huge seller for them.  The game is pretty much perfect in every way.  Controls are easy.  The left thumb-pad controls the direction you head.  The right thumb controls your jetpack and your firing of your selected gun. An icon in the top corner shows you level of ammunition for your gun.  Tapping that icon lets you choose a different weapon.  Up to 15 different weapons are available in the “vending machine”.

Game play is very smooth.  Your goal is to kill all the zombie-like aliens that are beaming down to the planet/moon depicted by your current level.  Three different locations are available for play.  As you collect points from marked boxes or by killing aliens, you are offered upgrades and additional weapons in the vending machine.  You also collect points by using your jetpack to “catch” stars and asteroids that are above you.  Ammunition and jetpack power run out though, so you have to be careful about when/how you use them.  Run out of ammo and/or jetpack power, and your ability to avoid the aliens gets severely limited.  If they get too close, they “zap” you and your health decreases until you die.  Loose all your lives and the game is over.

Three different difficulty modes are available.  The game also comes with an “endurance” mode so that you can play as long as you wish.  The ability to leave the game and resume it is a real plus.  At the $0.99 intr0ductory sale price, this game makes my must-have list.  It is a ton of fun for a buck.  Although I didn’t need it, my only suggestion would be for there to be an option to reverse the controls for those that are left handed.