Cut the Rope HD Review for iPad

Oct

2010

Robert Workman, iPadNewsDaily Contributor
12:22 AM ET

Move over, Angry Birds. Just when you thought the fowl-launching strategy game couldn't be beat, Chillingo launches a new game that could very well be the most addictive iPad application of the season. Cut the Rope HD is a puzzle game that's simple at first, but the deeper you go into it, the more complex it becomes. It's never impossible, however, and its 100 levels will keep you busily entertained while you impatiently wait for Chillingo to upload new ones.

Cut the Rope HD tasks you with feeding Om Nom, an adorable monster who sits happily on his perch, ready for a snack. But he won't eat just anything. No, sir. He wants candy. And it just so happens you have access to a piece that's attached to a rope. Now, the problem is getting it to him without dropping it, breaking it by knocking it into spikes, or letting spiders get a hold of it. It's up to you to cut the rope and somehow transition the candy back to him, while collecting stars and avoiding dangers along the way.

As you get to each series of new levels, you'll discover either a new obstacle or helpful tool. Spider lines are great for keeping your candy from falling, but with them comes a crawling critter who's in the mood for your tasty snack. You'll also run across air blowers (complete with delightful farting sounds), floating bubbles and conveyor cogs, which you can use to swing around your candy or move it out of harm's way. You'll combine all of these together to collect your stars and feed Om Nom successfully -- if you can.

While there isn't much to the game's graphic presentation, it looks great on the iPad screen . Each level is designed wonderfully, though we've had less difficulty with the single screen ones compared to the ones that stretch out. The animation is spot on, and Om Nom is a joy to watch, even when he makes a sad face after his candy has broken to bits. Fortunately, he doesn't stay sad for long, as you'll launch right into another attempt.

With 100 levels included, Cut the Rope HD will keep you busy for some time. If there are any real flaws to the game, it would probably be the music. The same background orchestrations play over and over again. It would've been nice to have the option to pick our own music, or provide a better variety of tunes. Perhaps that's something Chillingo could consider with the next update.

That's a small complaint, though. For the meager $1.99 asking price (there's a Lite version available if you want to try it first) Cut the Rope HD is one of the best app investments you'll make all year. It's addictive, challenging and cute, making it ideal for all ages and skill levels. With that, we can't wait for new levels and sequels. Something tells us this game hasn't reached the end of its rope yet.

Price: $1.99

File Size:26.9 MB

Developer: Chillingo

Platform: iPad (also available for iPhone, iPod Touch )

iPadNewsDaily Rating (out of 4): ★★★★