Space Ark Reviews

  • Chris8875Chris8875696,113
    21 Jun 2010 14 Oct 2010
    13 0 4
    This is a review for the XBLA game Space Ark, containing some general impressions of gameplay, as well as a look at the achievements it contains.

    Space Ark - from Strawdog Studios - snuck out during the hype and hoopla surrounding E3 2010 and has, for the most part, been overlooked amidst the many XBLA games which had price reductions during that time.

    It's a pity because this one is a real winner.

    In Space Ark, the player is tasked with terraforming barren planets by collecting DNA strands. This is done by grabbing one of a series of animals from each set of planets and bouncing them up and down on a giant trampoline-type base in order to knock out same-coloured jewels on large gameplay areas. Each group of jewels knocked out boosts the amount of DNA collected until you reach your target. Large hauls of jewels see the player able to collect fruit for extra points, and there are the requisite power-ups (gun, bigger base, and a fruit vacuum which hoovers the falling fruit) that add to the gameplay.

    If that sounds confusing, think of Space Ark as a bouncy, happy and somewhat manic version of the classic Arkanoid/Breakout style of basic gameplay, except with cute colourful animals replacing the bouncy ball. In fact, Space Ark is most like a cross between Arkanoid, Peggle and maybe even Rainbow Islands.

    And like any great arcade game, this one has a number of qualities.

    * It is easy to pick up and play. Controls are easy to learn but there are subtle challenges as the levels get tougher in order to collect as many pieces of fruit (and make as many DNA combos) as possible.

    * It is beautifully bright - again, akin to Peggle in this regard. The animals are beautifully drawn, very cute and unconsciously make you smile.

    * It is deceptively challenging - Arkanoid? Nah, seen it all before. Not the case here - every time you think you have the game mastered, it throws in a new wrinkle - a different power-up, a different type of onscreen challenge. Some levels are huge, others small, some have multiple platforms (in the form of clouds) you can bounce off to reach higher jewels, some levels have fans that blow you away from where you wnat to bounce, others have elements that act like massive updrafts, sending your animal on a predetermined course with the potential to pick up a huge string of jewels.

    * It is addictive - the "just one more go" element is definitely in play. When you find yourself playing the same level for the 12th time - and you will - thinking: "I could've done it and got the 100% screen clearance if I'd only ...." then you know you're addicted. And then, when you complete the level, that sense of triumph will wash over you!

    * It is fun - colourful, easy to play, addictive. Yep, fun. And something the family can play too if that's important for you.

    And of course there are three different types of play - single player, multiplayer and suvival (with countdown clock) each with its own challenges and difficulties.


    Achievements: At the moment the game has a 3.5+ TA to GS ratio, and after playing it, that isn't surprising. Five or six of the achievements are easy enough, but as the levels get tougher, TA score is at a premium (at ratios of 4 to 7 TA to one GS)

    You'll not wipe this one out in a night - it'll take many, many, hours of practice to execute 100% clearances on all levels in each planet - and 100% clearances involve hitting all jewels, reaching DNA collection targets AND collecting all fruit as well.

    You will find yourself sitting in front of your TV, actually studying a level to find out which is the best way to complete it. And practice makes perfect. Some levels will take many, many attempts before success (which is where the option to start from a specific, troublesome level in order to complete it comes in very handy).


    Overall: I give this one 4.5 stars.
    4.0
    Showing all 4 comments.
    Rusty Nail zh....and you can play it with your Avatar, instead of an animal! :)
    Posted by Rusty Nail zh on 22 Jun 10 at 00:55
    Cannon Fodder06Great review. Will have to give this one a closer look. My son has been playing it, but I kind of dismissed it because it looked like more of kid game.
    Posted by Cannon Fodder06 on 22 Jun 10 at 18:11
    MrM0onExcellent review. I have been making steady progress with the achievements in this game, although not looking forward to 'Survivor'!
    Posted by MrM0on on 17 Dec 10 at 14:47
    drabikThis is a great review. I only bought this game for the gamerpic, but it's actually pretty good. I just wish I wasn't so bad at the game. cry
    Posted by drabik on 29 Mar 12 at 09:51
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