Review: Little Ghost
Score:
68%
Looking for some classic platform action? If so, In Images would like you to consider Little Ghost, a very traditional feeling platformer game available for Windows Phone. It looks crisp and clear, but it might be a bit too old-fashioned for 2012.
Version Reviewed: 1.1.0.0
Buy Link | Download / Information Link
Little Ghost is a rather expansive platform game. And I don't just mean expansive because it has 30 levels spread over three worlds (so different graphics and themes to keep you entertained), but also each level is pretty big as well. Unlike games with lots of little levels, developer In Images has gone for a more traditional approach and brought back the idea of exploring a level to the platform game.
Pair the size of the levels with the slow movement speed of Little Ghost himself and you have a game that is going to take some time to complete. This isn't one you can pick up and play for a few moments around town, but if you're looking for something to get you through a long commute, then Little Ghost fits in perfectly.
The slow pace of Little Ghost is an interesting one to get your head around - there have been many platform games with 'slow' heroes, but in a world full of Sonic and Mario clones, will smartphone gamers take to the gentler pace, even though you do need very fast reactions and accuracy to make consecutive jumps, twist in the air, land on the heads of the enemies that populate the levels, all in your quest to grab as many diamonds and golden keys to reach the next level.
You've also got power-ups you can use, such as the ability to kill any enemy just by touching them, rather than jumping on their head.
One thing that does feel modern here is how many mistakes you can make. This isn't a game where one touch against a spike or the enemy will kill you - you just lose a little bit of energy from one of your five lives. It makes it really hard to die in a level, and takes away a little bit of the challenge of Little Ghost. It also makes it easier to play because you can make mistakes and get away with it. Personally I think that's the wrong call, but I can argue that point of game design either way.
The controls are the expected analogue style touch stick on the left, with the jump button under the right thumb in the landscape orientation the game runs in. The analogue stick isn't the most accurate, but I can understand its inclusion so the level design can include ladders to climb up and down. I think I'd have preferred some smarter design, with direct button control rather than sliding a thumb around the screen.
Little Ghost definitely feels like an old school game. That's something that appeals to me, but the slow nature of the title, coupled with the unguided exploration to complete each level may not have a huge appeal to the casual gamer that is looking for a more intense and concentrated slice of action.
This is definitely one game where you want to have a good look at the trial version if you think it's for you. It is for me, but it's not an out and out must have on Windows Phone.
Reviewed by Ewan Spence at