I’m not really sure how the idea of putting a gorilla atop a gondola came to be, but that’s not really important. What matters here is that Gorilla Gondola, a new platformer for iOS that was released just yesterday, is kind of a cool game that brings something fresh to the table. And, whatever, the image of gorillas riding cable cars is cute to me.
So, basically the game is a continuous side-scroller with obstacles that you have to avoid and junk that you should collect — pretty straightforward and standard for this type of game. The challenge, I think, is in the control mechanics. In order to avoid crashing into obstacles or to collect bananas and power-ups, you have to combine perfectly timed swipes and taps with using the accelerometer practically simultaneously. Although crashing into obstacles won’t result in an instant fail (unless you take too long to recover and the scrolling screen gets you), it does slow your gorilla down. And when you’re nearing the end of these impossibly long levels, it gets to be a pain in the ass.
It’s kind of one of those games that, if you’re like me and enjoy a challenge, you’ll probably love it. However, I can see how some people might become easily frustrated with it before they’ve had time to master it.
Aside from the tricky gameplay and controls, Gorilla Gondola has some other more redeeming qualities. From an artsy standpoint, the game is really well designed and features some gorgeous background scenery. Also, the music is a freaky fusion between 80s synth and the jungle tunes from Donkey Kong Country, but it’s awesome. YES, IT IS.
If you can get past the wonky control mechanics, or if you sincerely enjoy a challenge, I definitely recommend spending the $1.99 for Gorilla Gondola. It’s fresh, it’s fun, and there’s enough content in the game to keep you entertained for a while. Go check it out.
