Dark Nebula Episode 1 is only a small part of a larger series which will be released onto the App Store in the coming months. Each individual chapter costs 59p, which is pretty fair for the hour or so of gameplay that awaits you in this fun title. We're assuming that the developers are pricing this so low so that there's minimal investment for the player, rather than paying a larger amount for a fuller experience.

As a reviewer, it's a hard task breaking down a cheap, short game. On the one hand completing it fully within a couple of hours allows more time for other games to review; the other is the thought that if it was longer and therefore more expensive it would be better. But because 59p is such a nominal amount for a game, we're again assuming the long term value will come in the form of the other episodes that could extend the gameplay in new directions.

We're happy to report that the game itself plays very well...

What you get for your money is an exquisitely designed 10 level accelerometer gauntlet. You must have fast reflexes and good timing to make it through the many traps and obstacles that make up each level - simply tilt your iPhone to navigate. Running into spike traps, bullets or falling off the arena completely will cause you to lose a life, unless you have a shield. Shields can take one hit and render you temporarily invincible, but do nothing if you fall off.

Each level is fairly straightforward with it's own array of traps and corridors - some light puzzle elements present themselves but mostly it's a test of how fast you can blast through the level, weaving through spiked wheels, bullet traps, moving walls, jump pads and more. The levels get harder quickly, culminating in the final challenge (aka 'The Mainframe'). This devious level is packed with obstacles and if you make it through, you can play level 11 (more on that in a minute) which, if you beat it successfully, opens the path to completing the game.

We're happy to report that the game itself plays very well, and that's thanks to variety. The way the obstacles are used in different levels feels fresh and fun each time you play - the speed courses are also a nice touch, even if they are rather easy. Indeed, you'll become fluent with the controls in no time and certainly the only level we had trouble beating was level 10. Once you've memorised the levels you should breeze through each one.

Graphically, the game is drop dead gorgeous. Dark Nebula is all about the details, and each level is soaked in a thick coat of polish. The ball pulsates with coloured energy whenever you move over a grating, locked doors glow before they open, even the backgrounds are stunning. And level 11 has a transfixing blue computer matrix (this really needs to be seen in motion) that we wish the developers had explored further. Sonically, the game pleases too, with each effect reverberating around the cavern like environment. We're sorely disappointed that this isn't complemented with some backing music, and more to the point you can't even play your own!

Our feeling is that Dark Nebula Episode 1 is short, but it is sweet. We had trouble putting it down, but even though it doesn't last long it's a great example of how far the iPhone has come. Aside from a few issues, like the lack of music and the extremely brief final level, we're looking forward to the next installment and we think that your 59p is well spent here.

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Dark Nebula - Episode 2, A

Review by Jonathan Millward, August 09, 2010

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