Hook Champ, the popular retro-style action game from Rocketcat Games, has swung into the app store. A simple premise, a fun control scheme, and tons of upgradeable items have helped propel this title up the charts and into the hearts of gamers of all ages.
The goal in Hook Champ is to safely (and quickly) traverse each cave level before the toothy black smoke monster catches up to you and devours you whole. You have two modes of transportation: walking and swinging. Walking is generally slow. Too much pounding the pavement will lead to your untimely, yet certain, demise. Therefore, the preferred and more enjoyable method of travel, swinging, should be employed as often as possible. You accomplish this by firing your grappling hook into the ceiling, or steel rings, or whatever object will support you. Your hook fires at about a 45-degree angle, so your positioning relative to your target is an important factor in successfully negotiating the treacherous terrain. Your partner, Gunny, is waiting at the end of the level with rope in hand to pull you to safety. There are coins to collect along the way, which can be exchanged at the in-game Shop for upgradeable items, including new hooks, ropes, maps, shoes, and, most importantly, hats (cue Indiana Jones theme music). These items can be very helpful in the latter stages, as Smoky bears down on you faster and faster as you progress through the game.
Levels are somewhat indistinguishable from one another and typically devoid of much scenery. There are no enemies other than Smoky, and just a few coins scattered throughout to keep you company. The levels get a bit repetitive after a while. It would have been nice to see some variety or distinguishing characteristics.
Hook Champ has a great old-school feel to it, from its pixelated graphics to the cheesy 8-bit soundtrack. It does support playing music from your own library, too. Certainly, the most notable feature is its control scheme. Touch and hold anywhere below the hero’s head to make him walk left or right. Touch and hold above his head to fire the grappling hook in either direction toward the ceiling, ring, or other object. He will swing if the hook takes hold. Momentum builds if he swings a great distance. Release to let go. While easy to get used to, you’ll need some time to really get a handle on them and use them effectively.
Hook Champ records the time it takes you to complete each level and uploads your time and score to an online leaderboard. This provides some decent motivation to find faster ways through each level, increasing the replayability of the game. While similar to Rope ‘N Fly or Rope Raider, Hook Champ has a certain charm and humor that really draws you in. Selling for $2.99, Hook Champ is a solid 4-Dimple adventure.
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Hook Champs gets our AppSmile 4-Dimple rating:
