Explore and Cultivate The Red Planet in Mysterious 'Waking Mars'

Tiger Style created an app named Waking Mars where you assume the role of an astronaut/explorer named Jiang, who you are immediately introduced to upon using the app for the first time. This foreshadowed one of the things I specifically enjoyed about this app: you are immersed in the game from the get-go in Chapter 1: The Descent. The game is controlled via tapping on the screen to move, duck, jetpack, and even plant new seeds to create lifeforms.  You are helped through your exploration of a cave on Mars by Amani, your base camp connect and the operating system ART, which is both witty and informative in your search.  It also updates your information database for you filling in new or missing information on the plants and creatures you come across in your journey.  Both Amani and ART also provide hints in order to help you complete your objectives. http://vimeo.com/37611505 All of the graphics within the game are fantastic and very animated from the various Phyta that scatter about to the Halid Zoa that sway and spit forth green seeds.  You can then use these seeds to fertilize areas and regrow life forms. Plus, the hydron seeds you collect from the large, swaying Hydron Zoa can be used to water the life forms you plant.  All of the plants vary in design and information; they can either be helpful or hazardous in your quest.  There is constantly a glow about Liang and the other plants in the cave, but mainly the cave is dull and dingy. Definitely be careful when exploring the cave, however, as crashing or landing too hard while using your jetpack will cause you to lose health, which is tracked by a small bar in the upper left hand corner of the screen.  Additionally, if you are confused by the controls of the game, you can simply access the 'How to Play' portion of the app through the Information icon, then by a clicking the Game icon.  They explain how to maneuver around the game through helpful screen shots and arrows.  While in the 'Game' section you can also check out your 'Session' (progress in the game), 'Achievements', 'Leaderboards', 'More Games', or 'Rate Our App'. You also have access to your Inventory and a map of the level.  Your inventory can be accessed through the small dial button on the lower right hand portion of the screen where you store all of the items you pick up, but are only limited to five slots.  I have not found that being limited to five slots hampered my gameplay.  Furthermore, under each item is listed how many you currently hold and by simply tapping on an item, you can equip yourself with said item.  The map, on the other hand, traces your path through the caves and names each one.  By tapping on one of the buttons denoting a portion of the cave you can then click the 'Travel' button and immediately be transferred to that portion of the cave.

Paired with a futuristic soundtrack, touch-sensitive controls, and a storyline that has kept me guessing, I definitely suggest purchasing Waking Mars.  The game makes me want to press on through the cave to discover new life forms and find the missing droid 0CT0 that was exploring it before it lost contact with base camp.  Lastly, one of the things I am impressed most with is that there is minimal loading time, which makes the game that much more enjoyable. AppPicker Rating: 4 / 5 Stars App Store link: Waking Mars Other apps by Tiger Style