Carry Kona’s Crate In A Creative New Action-Puzzler

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Kona’s Crate, by indiePub Games (sold separately for iPad for and in the Android Market for the same price) is a simple, but innovative physics action-puzzler that brings a little something new to this overdone genre of games, that will keep players playing.

Gamers must deliver crates to Chief Kona, by maneuvering a jet thrusting platform through obstacles while keeping the crate safe on the platform. It is easier said than done on some levels.

The platform is controlled by jet packs on either side of the platform. Players direct them by touching the left or right sides of the screen thus manipulating the propulsion of the two packs independent of one another.

The longer the touch, the harder the thrust. Pressing on both side fires off both packs and sends the platform straight up. Players must try and deliver each crate to the feet of the Chief – usually placed behind a slew of turns and obstacles – to deliver the crate unharmed.

The graphics and sound of the game are simple and clean. This game won’t be nominated for best design, but it’s appealing in its simplicity.

Kona’s Crate’s real strength is the control scheme. The controls responds crazy well and really allows the player to fine-tune movements. Each level increases in difficult by either adding narrower walls or adding new obstacles to avoid.

Tip: Pressing too hard on the thrusters will likely result in a bang into a wall and cause a fall so be aware of force while steering.

Players can earn up to three-stars, Angry Birds style, by thrusting through three stars placed on each level.

This is one packed puzzler. The game has three campaigns featuring more than 60 levels with additional campaigns and levels promised. It also has OpenFeint and Game Center achievements and leaderboards to add additional replay value.

I really like this one – the game looks good and plays great. Levels load fast so replaying them due to a thruster malfunction or sticky fingers is not tedious. If action-puzzlers like Zoo Rescue or even To-Fu: The Trials of Chi are up your alley, then grab Kona’s Crate. It’s an easy game to learn, but a hard game to master. Lucky for us the controls are outstanding and gameplay is addictive, so hard is definitely a good thing.

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