REVIEW: Spin the Nut

Spin the Nut by P-O-M Games

App Store & iTunes: iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad .99

Spin The Nut on Facebook

Don't let this cute little squirrel fool you into thinking that this puzzle game is too simple. This is where little Azoo will get you - he lures you in with his adorable face and has you tangled into a challenging, multi-level brain-bender. This is a game for the strategist at heart. Here's the review:

GAMEPLAY: Spin the Nut has you navigating your way through obstacles and traps to gather some special acorns to score points. Precision timing and patience are going to be a plus for the player. Most notable about this game would be the variety of levels and the attention to making the levels different. Each level is literally a new puzzle to figure out. That said, obstacle placement might make some levels a little too difficult for the average player.

A member of my review staff remarked: "When they said 'no one said it would be easy,' they weren't kidding. You have to be extremely precise with your aiming and timing of the acorn. Sometimes, it becomes a little like pinball with SO many obstacles for your acorn to bounce off. However, its more like billiards in the way that you have to strategize how it will bounce off the walls. And, you gotta get the angles JUST right, so you can sink the eight ball or 'acorn' in the corner pocket, so to speak. It doesn't just make you think; it makes you rack your brain! People that like the Cut the Rope games, but actually WANT more of a challenge, would definitely enjoy this game."

REVIEWER'S OPINION: Azoo, the squirrel is one of the cuter game-animals I've seen in a while. Graphics remind me of an old-fashioned well-loved cartoon. The game moves into levels that pull it out of what I'd consider a more casual game category, but might well find its niche with the brainiacs out there. I'd like to see the developer work on loosening the controls and maybe reviewing obstacle placement to make some levels a bit more "doable."

UNIQUENESS FACTOR:
Has to the be extended levels of play and the fact that each level brings a fresh set of strategic challenges.

MARKETING IDEAS:

• Roy, the lead developer at P-O-M Games, told me the story of how his pet squirrel named Azoo died a year ago, so he memorialized him in Spin the Nut. This kind of story makes the game more than a game - there's a bit of emotion tied to it...so I'd suggest using that. Collaborate with Squirrel Rescue or Rehab organizations and let Azoo become a "mascot" of sorts gathering endorsements and a community of followers instead of nuts.
• People who love squirrels are like people who collect cows for their kitchen or ceramic frogs - they simply can't get enough of the cute critters. Collect squirrel videos and create your own "Azoo's Squirrel Lovers" video channel. Of course, link to the game is always nearby.
• Create a competition for Spin the Nut to name the top squirrel. You can have a junior and senior category. Make the competition worth winning. Find a puzzle site that might collaborate with you on it. (You might consider a online version of the game, as well.) Talk to my friend Ray Williams at http://www.skilladdiction.com

Baby Monkey Riding Backwards on a Pig by Kihon Games

App Store & iTunes: iPhone, iPad, iPod .99

This seemingly ridiculous theme is actually based on a YouTube video that is ridiculously real. Yes, real pig - real baby monkey...riding backwards. (Link to video below) Nine mil views later and, it's clear, that this funny little video is sweeping up everyone in it's path. It now has a place to deposit them - Baby Monkey - the game. Here's the review:

This game is freakishly addictive, starting with the song, which will drive everyone around you...um...gotta say it...bananas. You'll be singing it for days. The song actually has a huge role in the genesis of this game, which I'll talk about later, because that and the YouTube is what makes this game unique. First, about the game...

GAME PLAY: Baby Monkey is the perfect combo of fun and challenge. Here you are bumping along on the back of the pig whose mission is to dump you. Your mission is to hold tight and grab those blasted bananas above your head. Jump high, grab one, but be careful not to fall off, as the pig navigates an obstacle course of pits and cliffs. Pull the pig's tail if you need to get a boost for one of those sweet yellow rewards.

The game gets more challenging with speed and level of difficulty the further you get along. Each time you have to start over, you'll be hit with new obstacles. This is one of those games that will engage your determination to win...because you think you should be able to win.

Two button system and an in-game tutorial makes this an easy-to-learn game for everyone. If you are a competitive sort, there's a leaderboard to show off your monkey skills.

REVIEWER'S OPINION: This is just a really well done casual game. Kudos Kihon! Controls are simple and easy to learn. Advice: plan to spend some time getting to know your pig...you're not gonna put this down for a while.

I gave this game to a member of my review team and she literally could not stop playing for two days--even sent me an e-mail that she wanted to share it with her Facebook friends. I think she has a thing for monkeys, anyway. And, don't we all?!

Here's the Baby Monkey YouTube

UNIQUENESS FACTOR I'm not entirely sure how many games are actually inspired by YouTubes, but it has to be uncommon. What makes Baby Monkey special beyond the YouTube is that Parry Gripp, the musician who created the incredibly memorable Baby Monkey song in the video has partnered with Kihon and is helping to market the game. Here's the trailer he put together for the game. Genius...and worth mentioning, as the trailer alone has already amassed over 47k views. A great "story" often becomes the best marketing plan. Speaking of marketing...

MARKETING IDEAS: My own crazy ideas for moving this game further into the hands of the throngs of casual gamers follows.

• Collaborate with a company that sells bananas--no really. What corp in their right mind wouldn't appreciate a little gamification right now? I actually posted on the FB wall of the one with the Carmen Miranda looking brand that they should consider it. I'm a bit brassy like that -- just how I roll.
• Get the game (or some version of it) on a high traffic site (ranked like say in the 500s) that is a reward portal - one that includes a few games, but, is interested in more casual games, and could appreciate the appeal that this one already has (thank you YouTube). I've taken the liberty of contacting an exec at such a portal who is interested in this game and I will be making the introduction to Kihon when this review is published.
• Create some kind of cool interactive app experience based on the game and maybe tied to the song. Send it on a "Baby Monkey" tour with Gripp. From his concert stage, he can offer this special feature to his audience and have them play along or sign in right then.

WANT YOUR PRODUCT OR GAME REVIEWED?

Here's what I'm looking for:

ACCESSORIES: Anything that enhances gameplay or adds interest or fun to the player. Coolness factor is a must.

UNIQUE GAMES: Any platform or genre. The game must have a feature that is truly different, either in the way that it engages the player, the technology that was used to create it, the artwork, or the subject matter. I like "good games," too - ones with a charitable or self-help component.

Games that have extraordinarily violent, sexual, racial, or religion-bashing content will not be reviewed. I'm more interested in the mission of the game, the technology used, the engagement factor within the game.

If you want to submit, send an e-mail to mary@marykurek.com with your "single" product submission information. If it is a game, spend some time telling me about the uniqueness. If it is an accessory or a physical game, and I approve, you'll need to send a copy for review. You'll be instructed in your approval e-mail where to send. If it's a digital product, and I approve, you'll send me a link or code. All approved submissions will need to provide some images on the product.

All submissions will need to be on market and you'll need to have a live web site. If I approve, I'll incorporate marketing notes at the end of the review, giving suggestions/ideas on how to market.

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