GRAPPLE BEAR Impressions for iOS

Calling all physics majors and anyone who has a slightly above average understanding of centrifugal force. Are you neither of these things and perfectly okay with that? Me too, but sadly you are going to struggle with this game. One-man-show developer, Daniel Prokisch, has presented the mobile gaming world with this physics platformer, GRAPPLE BEAR.

Would I call it addictive? No. Would I say it has the potential to be a crave-worthy time waster? Absolutely, but it has a ways to go. The game itself is simple—be a bear, be in possession of a grappling hook, swing your way to the flag at the end of each level, and try not to die. Sounds easy right? Not in the slightest. The mechanics are clunky and while there is really only one action for you to perform throughout the entirety of all twenty four levels, the reality of mastering the swinging mechanism is no easy feat. Drag your finger across the screen to your desired location, but the grappling hook somewhat goes wherever it wants to and it is way, way too easy to get killed by an abundance of spikes. On the plus side, the death of Mr. Bear is adorable, you just…poof with all the cartoon cuteness.

If there is one thing that stands out about GRAPPLE BEAR is that it is ridiculously charming. Why is it so charming? Well, because, who hand-draws anything these days? I’m not sure if they even teach that in elementary schools anymore—so major originality props to Daniel Prokisch for illustrating an entire game by hand.

Rating: Needs work, but promising potential.

Update: GRAPPLE BEAR now has 31+1 level, a story scene and some minor updates at launch.

Check Out the Grapple Bear Launch Trailer:

Grapple Bear is available via the App Store and Google Play.

About The Author

Kendra Woolley

Kendra grew up in the era where playing Donkey Kong in the dentist’s office was a thing. Her creative mind enjoys the imaginative genius that goes into the intricate worlds and enticing narratives that have become the new wave of gaming. Forever a devotee of Crash Bandicoot and Spyro, Kendra has stepped into the next generation of gaming with favorites like God of War, Red Dead Redemption 2, and Spider-Man. She is always looking for the next gaming challenge and utilizes her fancy English degree to articulate her detailed reviews for hungry gamers like you.

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