Spyder

Generally speaking, I think Apple Arcade provides consumers with high quality titles that don’t have the distractions that come with the games in the regular App Store. The freedom for developers to be creative really comes to the forefront...and there is no better example than Spyder. In terms of the look, story, and general gameplay, this is a standout title. They hooked me from the get go with their unique take on the 60’s spy genre, and goofy yet entertaining premise. I find myself having hard time stopping after each level, because I just want to keep going and explore the worlds that the developers have created. It has an aesthetic that reminds me of Archer’s spy world...minus the phrasing of course. I would recommend playing these game with a controller: I can’t say that I have tried it without one, but the controller seems by leaps and bounds to be the best mechanism to use with Spyder. If I would offer a small critique, there are moments when it is difficult to determine directionality with the camera: perhaps if it automatically adjusted to the direction Spyder is facing in? But that does not limit my enjoyment of the game, it’s really been a blast! Well done!

I got this game last night and have already finished it. It’s a fantastically developed game and has a great storyline and fantastic graphics, I thoroughly enjoyed playing it! However, I do wish there was a two-thumb control system where the left thumb controls movement (as it already does) and the right thumb controls the viewpoint. The two finger swipe is somewhat inconvenient and uncomfortable. One other issue is the strange and unpredictable behavior of the viewpoint when it automatically adjusts based on the position, coupled with the fact that the movement controls are generally based around the viewpoint, which sometimes causes very unpredictable controls, required precision, and sometimes multiple attempts to navigate to the same place. Otherwise, I have no other gripes about the controls. If I was considering getting Apple Arcade, this would definitely be one of the deciding factors. Once again, a fantastic game—congratulations to the developers and hopefully it will be expanded (and the controls improved)!

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Overall the premise, sound design, graphics and layout of the levels are well done. I do agree with many others that the game could really use some polishing with the camera and controls. Having to use two fingers to turn the camera is spotty and really takes you out of the experience when you have to stop everything to rotate it. The angle of the camera is also problematic in many areas and can cause you to accidentally be on a conveyer belt, in the line of harmful blasts of air or in other danger areas as it’s just a hard angle to see clearly from. I’m all up for a challenge, just not challenging because you are fighting the camera and controls. Asking for precision with far from precise tools to work with. The interactive controls are also really spotty. I’ll have the on screen prompt for a grapple or laser but it’s not responding or I have to get in the perfect spot to trigger. If the camera was smoother (maybe pull out just a bit more and be more fluid), add in a right thumb zone to control the camera and a singular action button for controlling everything it would be a much better experience.

We are at a point where the line between what you would find on a game console and a mobile device is starting to blur, and Spyder is proof of that. A proper physics engine, graphics that approach the same visual fidelity you would find in a PS3 or Xbox 360 title, astounding attention to detail in each environment, impressive audio design (engines and computers sound accurate to their real-life counterparts, which is great for immersion), and varied gameplay that constantly switches things up without becoming too complicated or frustrating. It reminds me of when Mom would take me to the video store when I was a kid, and I would get to pick out one game to play for the weekend. One that I’d never heard of before, but took a chance on because the box art looked cool, and then it turned out to be an amazing gem. Spyder rekindles those same feelings within me, and brings a teary-eyed smile to my face because of its willingness to take a simple concept, and just have fun with it. It feels like the game developers are actually trying to impress me with new ideas, instead of recycling tired mechanics and basic gameplay loops, like most mobile games rely on. Don’t miss out on this one. It is really rare to see games like these; especially in today’s gaming climate. Just a simple, pure platformer with lots of little surprises, and a joyous sense of adventure.

Just beat level 3, and I must say I’m enjoying the game so far. The style of the levels and different ways of interacting with what’s around you are really fun. All of agent 8’s gadgets interact with things very similarly but you still have to figure out what/where to use them, which keeps the games interesting. One major problem I have unfortunately is the controls. I keep trying to pan the camera left/right/up/down with my right hand as I’m walking with my left hand, but it doesn’t work that way. Camera panning requires agent 8 to be stopped and two fingers to pan and that works the opposite of how my brain tells me it should, which leaves me with a bit of a headache. If the controls allowed me to walk agent 8 with one hand while I controlled the pan of the camera with the other, this game would be in my top 3 games on Apple Arcade. Still, very solid game!