When it comes to getting from point A to point B, Rolando 2 is known for rolling, Canabalt for running, and now Super QuickHook swoops in with swinging (and we don't mean that in the Craigslist sense of the word, you dirty devil). This easy grappling mechanic makes Super QuickHook a blast to play from the moment you boot it up. And, if you're anything like us, it'll be a long time before you stop.
Super QuickHook is the sequel to the excellent Hook Champ, and the similarities are obvious immediately. You play as Jakob, an intrepid explorer tasked with scoping out the caverns, peaks, and valleys of an enormous mountain. Once more, you use a grappling hook to swing from the beginning to the end of each level, snagging coins along the way, in your never-ending quest for game completion, gear upgrades, and, of course, more hats.
For a rockin' boost, try rocket boots.
Thankfully, this time there's no chomper nipping at your heels, so you can explore each level at your own pace. As you swing around, you'll notice that the game's physics and grappling mechanic have been honed to near perfection, so you always feel completely in control. Each level has reasonably-spaced checkpoints the prevent you from losing too much progress if you take an accidental 1,000-foot drop. And then there are the absolutely gorgeous 16-bit graphics. Visually, this is a pitch-perfect homage to late-era Super Nintendo games, when sprite graphics were at their peak.
In addition to the campaign levels, the game packs a separate Avalanche Mode that high score addicts will pour plenty of free time into. This mode has you swinging as far as you can before a fast-moving avalanche inevitably squashes you. The terrain in this mode is randomly generated, so no two attempts are the same. Here too you pick up coins that you can use to purchase upgrades in the equipment shop.
The shop in question sells loads of items to make you run faster, slide farther, and boost higher. Upgrading your equipment is enormously addictive and adds a ton of replay value to the game. You'll also find an obscene number of different hats and hooks for sale in the shop. These don't affect the gameplay, but they show up next to your high scores on the leaderboards and prove to the world that you have coins to burn.
It don't mean a thing if it ain't got that swing.
But no game's perfect, and we have a couple of relatively minor complaints. First is the game's uneven difficulty. The first three quarters of the campaign mode are a cinch. Then, to unlock the Burn Alley level, you're required to score 2,000 points in a single run in Avalanche Mode, which is way easier said than done. We managed it eventually (and earned enough coins to max out most of our gear in the process), but it took longer than it should have. Then, to unlock later levels, you're required to beat developer high scores in earlier levels, which requires even more grinding.
We're also not crazy about the repetitive level design. The environments look fantastic, but most of them boil down to a series of ceiling platforms, with the occasional steam vent. There are no enemies, and rarely will you come across any memorable level features or dynamic gameplay elements. We'd like to see the developer branch out and get a little more creative in the future.
But those are minor quibbles about an otherwise superb game. Hands-down, Super QuickHook is one of the top platformers on the App Store, and should not be missed.
16 Comments
Looks well worth a try.
you actually play as Jakob, Jake's cousin
you actually do have enemies. occasionally, you face an alligator in a pool of water. nothing major, but an enemy none the less. also, games like this really don't need enemies. i believe some of the weaker points of hook champ were the minigore inspired levels. there were frustrating when you are so used to the simple outpacing of a chomper, and you weren't focused on using the gun.
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mmm nightmare vertical level would be awesome... to add a boss, i think they would have to add the shotgun from hook champ.
What a fantastic game! This is a great example of a game you could use to convince a friend why the iPhone/iPod Touch are such great gaming platforms. 4/4 for sure!
I just bought this game yesterday and for some reason I didn't get the Rocketcat Mask!!!! I only got the Tiny Tophat. The iTunes page says that if you buy it before 3am on the 19th EST, then you can get the mask...it's 1am on the 19th and I bought the game yesterday, but no mask......can anyone tell me why?
Yeong-Tae your heart is strong but you procrastinated too long... you are not the ultimate RocketCat Fan. However I Am.
Peace With You All
Wow, a direct message from Jesus Christ himself! I never knew you were a RocketCat fan...
But honestly, the iTunes description said that it was good until 3am on the 19th EST and I got the game WAY before that time - at least a whole day... could it be that RocketCat are a bunch of liars?
Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmm.... troubling. Did you look in the section of the shop wheer you buy hats? It should be right next to the little top hat and cost 1 coin. Or maybe if you waited too long after buying it the mask would just vanish, i have no idea.
Tell me if you find it :D
Nope, not there.... And I checked the shop as soon as I bought it. I was so disappointed that I even went onto the Japanese iTunes and bought the game a second time at about midnight on the 18th, (4 hours before the deadline on the iTunes description) and it still didn't work.......but RocketCat should be thankful that I wanted it enough to pay them twice for the game........
Well they should be happy, but your lack of cat mask is deeply troubling, did you find the little top hat?
Wow, thanks, finally someone who is troubled about it. Some other people have just criticized me for not being hardcore enough and getting on THE very first day. And yes, I did get the little top hat! =) At least I got that one...
Actually, I bought the game about a day before the rocketmask offer was supposed to expire, but I didn't get it neither. :( Only that ugly little gay top hat.
Anyway, it's a freakin´awesome game, and I wasn´t that big of a fan of the first game. Looking forward to the free updates because the game is very short.
A day before the offer expired? the rocketcat mask was only an option if you got it the day it was released, the offer ended at 3 a.m. the next day....................
Well, their iTunes description was updated to say that the RocketCat Mask was available for anyone who bought the game before 3am EST on the 19th. I don't know when the game was officially released, but I got the game about one whole day before the 6/19 3am deadline...but apparently the iTunes description was false and only people who actually bought it on THE very first day got the mask.........
I'm pretty sure that that was because the game was supposed to be released on the 18th, but once it was approved, they decided to release it one and a half days early. That's what they said on Twitter, at least.
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