Reviews

StarDash Review – Dashing with the Stars with a retro flare

If you like retro games or remember those cool old Nintendo games, especially Mario Bros, then you need to pick up StarDash. Simply a fun and enjoyable game inspired by the Gameboy from back in the day of portable gaming.

Title: StarDash | Developer: OrangePixel | Genre: Arcade & Action | Players: 1 | Version: 1.0 | Size: 3 MB | Price: Free (Lite) / $2.18 (Full) |

The guys over at OrangePixel continue to put out quality games-if you like any of the other hits they have produced StarDash will not disappoint!

When I first saw the screenshots of the game- the monochrome look with the low res graphics, I was a bit skeptical. After playing for a few minutes, those doubts were gone. The game definitely reminds me of the old Mario Bros games and also reminds me on how bad I was at those games! My little guy keeps getting zapped and disappearing. After a little while I got the touch back and I was crusading through the first couple of levels.

This first version of the game comes with four worlds:

  • TopTop
  • Bebuto
  • Shesan
  • Castely

 

Each world has nine levels each and a secret temple. The secret temple can be unlocked only by finding hidden keys in the nine levels of a world. Orangepixel indicated that new worlds will appear in future updates. The game controls are very straight forward and work with touchscreen, hardware-keyboard (gamegripper layout), wii-mote and Xperia Play controls. The sound is very appropriate for the game and adds to the game experience.

The game also comes with OpenFeint which has 13 achievements. I always like when games add extra achievements in a game Some of the achievements are doable (find a key, collect 100 or 200 coins with 1 life) while some others such as “Bite me!” achievement – complete world 3 in 1 life, not so easy.

If you are unfamiliar with this style game, your goal is move through the level (left to right on the screen), collecting coins, stars, keys and avoiding or popping the creatures trying to run you over. You can move left or right and jump. Each level has a slightly different theme and layout.

Overall Summary:

  • Fun, easy to pick up and put down game
  • Simple straight forward controls
  • Fast paced game
  • Multiple worlds, levels, and challenges
  • Retro sounds and graphics
  • Ability to turn on/off music and sound effects

 

The only knock I have on the game is that there is no pause button, at least in the version I tested (pre-release). If you hit the home key you will leave the game and sort of pause it. When you return you will continue where you were at. If I missed something, please let me know but hopefully these could be added in future updates.

StarDash from OrangePixel is a great retro style game, that simply just works. As you can pick up the game to try for free, there is no reason to not give it a whirl. What is old is new again!

 

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