Pangolin from Feed Tank is a physics-based arcade game that does a fantastic job straddling genres to create a very different, very entertaining sort of game. You indirectly control a bouncing orange critter by creating temporary trampoline platforms on the screen, guiding the little guy through some crazy stages filled with bumpers, tunnels, portals and more. Pangolin is almost like a game of vertical mini-golf. Except not. And it's way better!
So here's what's going on: one misty mountain morning, our cute protagonist and a devoted monk head out for morning meditation. Pangolin gets lost, though, and ends up bounding through mist-filled landscapes. You're along for the ride as well, and to help our pal find his bearings, you get to make trampolines! Use two fingers to tap simultaneously on the screen, creating bouncey platforms that have more spring the further apart your fingers are when you tap. When Pangolin hits the trampoline he goes flying, all you have to do is make sure he gets to the exit, hopefully grabbing a few coins and gems along the way.
You don't have infinite shots in Pangolin, meaning you can only create a certain number of trampolines in each stage. If you can't make it to the target before then, you can either start over or grab some extra shots via an in-app purchase. Making things even more interesting are complex level designs that feature boosters and bouncers, crates and barrels, and even the odd portal or two. It's like a fast-paced platform game, but instead of jumping and running, you're jabbing!
Pangolin is a little slice of uniqueness wrapped in a delicious style of artwork. More worlds with more levels and obstacles are currently in the works, and the existing content will keep you busy for quite a while. It's challenging but not frustratingly so, and a surprisingly great way to unwind at the end of the day.
NOTE: This game was played and reviewed on the iPad 3. Game was available in the North American market at the time of publication, but may not be available in other territories. Please see individual app market pages for purchasing info.
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