iOS App-Aholics Anonymous: [Mikey Shorts]

App Name: Mikey Shorts
Developer: BeaverTap Games, LLC
Last Update: 8-17-11
Price: $0.99
App-Aholic Rating: 4/5
Watch it Here: Official Gameplay Trailer

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Old-school, classic Mario-esque games seem to be making a large comeback through the iOS scene. This week, Mikey Shorts adds itself to the side-scrolling platformer lineup.

You must navigate the short level to reach the end, collecting coins to make purchases in the “shop” and freeing solidified people to permit access deeper into the level as you go. Simple enough? Of course, it never really is. You won’t find any harmful enemies along this journey, but that’s not what Mikey Shorts is about; the objective is speed. Collect all the items, free the stone people, and reach the end as quickly as possible.

Fair Warning: Think you’re moving fast enough? You’re not. It’s pretty difficult to snag a perfect score. There is zero room for hesitation, deaths, and other random errors. And don’t worry, the levels will become more difficult to navigate as the levels progress.

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Pros: At the top of the screen during each level, there is a cool little percentage meter that lets you know exactly how much farther you have to go to reach the end. Next, the character, Mikey, is somewhat “customizable,” as far as physical features are concerned, but the graphics on a 2D scale are low enough that you probably won’t care what little Mikey looks like.

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Cons: Not that it’s a big deal, because the character jumps high enough on his own, but I usually prefer to have a second jump option when playing 2D platforms such as this one. Finally, of you’re only interested in the story mode, that adventure doesn’t last too long; six locations with several levels a piece will complete your journey.

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App-Aholic Rating: 4; as far as playability and function is concerned, Mikey Shorts is a pretty solid edition to the 2D platforming genre. However, it would’ve been nice to see more of a character-enhancement system, such as utilizing special upgrades or momentary skills that wore off over the course of a level. I just feel the simplicity takes a bit away from what this game could’ve been. For instance: more enemies to fight (instead of kicking tiny stone men who can’t even hurt you back) would be a welcomed change in the next update.

Bottom Line: Mikey Shorts is entertaining, for the most part. The gameplay can become a bit stagnant after awhile, but at only $0.99, this isn’t a large flaw. Playing Mikey Shorts in small doses is the best remedy for repetition.

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Sound Off: Now, folks, it’s your turn! Do you have any thoughts, opinions, or general comments about Mikey Shorts and/or its developer, BeaverTap Games? I personally reply to every comment, and I’d love to hear what you have to say! Just take your cranial debris and throw it down in the box below!

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