When I say Game & Watch, this isn’t a direct comparison of FDG’s Parachute Panic to the classic Nintendo LCD handhelds, but more of a foundation on which to build your lofty expectations of a classically styled, dexterous puzzle game with a deliciously modern twist.
The gameplay is centred on stick figures freefalling from planes, requiring you to deploy their parachutes then guide them to a safe landing on the boats at the bottom of the screen. Swiping across the iPhone’s display ‘blows the wind’ in that direction, allowing you to coax the plummeting punters to safety.
Guiding them past helicopters and tapping furiously on alien ships that plan to abduct your parachuters is half the battle, while making sure they don’t miss the boat and wind up as shark food adds some drama to the addictive action.Although far more advanced in its execution, Parachute Panic would fit the remit of those classic Nintendo games beautifully, which is high praise indeed, believe us.
All this unique, puzzle-rich gameplay is further bolstered by a wonderful presentation. A stylistic, line-drawn art style permeates the game with real panache, while a superb a cappella soundtrack sings the free-falling fellows to the floor (the hilarious ‘game over’ song being a particular favourite).
The iPhone already has a strong line up of unique, ingenious puzzle games topping the App Store charts, and Parachute Panic deserves to land right at the top of the list.
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