iPhone Game of the Week- Spider: The Secret of Bryce Manor
Spider: The Secret of Bryce Manor was released back in August 2009, so while not being a new title it’s important to draw attention to because some players definitely missed out. Missed out on what exactly? A unique puzzle / action game that blends innovative touch controls and mechanics, an immersive atmosphere, and substantial depth into one awesome package. All gamers, those with and without iPhone experience, should explore Bryce Manor.
The premise initially sounds simple, you are a spider who has stumbled on an old, deserted mansion and decide to go investigate the food situation. To accomplish this goal, you must make your way through different areas of the house, spinning webs to catch prey. The touch control implementation is intuitive and works exceedingly well. Holding down the screen causes the spider to move in that direction, and flicking your finger causes the spider to jump. To spin a web, you click the spider to prepare silk and then jump around to create a geometric shape out of the silk strands. The controls feel very natural, easily one of the best uses of touch on the device.
The webs allow the spider to eat and thereby pass through to the next level. There a variety of bugs to eat, each with their own set of behaviors. For instance, some bugs can only be eaten by leaping into the air and grabbing them. Others are smarter and will actively avoid your presence, so you have to play shepherd by herding them into your trap. Another strategic element is knowing when to conserve silk, as there is a limited supply. Once silk is low, web placement becomes crucial. Fortunately, the game is designed to provide a number of other options to those low on silk, so it never feels frustrating.
On the surface Spider sounds like a pretty straight forward story, but there are subtle touches going on in the background. Another, completely optional, purpose for investigating the manor is to find out what happened to the people there. By exploring the levels, finding secret areas and clues along the way, players can solve the underlying mystery of the Bryce family. What’s so great about the narrative implementation in Spider is that it’s not in anyway forced on the player. You can play through the entire game without ever noticing the mysterious, bleak elements hinted at in the game’s atmosphere and tone.
The atmosphere Bryce Manor creates is absolutely brilliant, quickly immersing the player in the world. Each level is a beautiful, hand drawn illustration that gives the game a personal touch and helps create a cohesive overall environment. The soundtrack also shines - which, by the way, is available free from Tiger Style’s website. The primarily electronic beats do a great job of setting the tone for each level. Overall, the game’s presentation is near flawless.
The Secret of Bryce Manor is a game where the phrase ‘it’s good for an iPhone game’ doesn’t apply - this is a great game, period. The unique controls and mechanics make fantastic use of the iPhone’s strengths. Along with that, Spider is a game of subtle touches, such as the underlying mystery, art style, and soundtrack, that leave a lasting impression. In short, buy this game.
Verdict: BUY
Developer: Tiger Style
Genre: Puzzle / Action
Release Date: August 10th, 2009
Price: $2.99
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