App Review – Vikings Row! makes players go Uff da

Publisher: I-play / Oberon Media
Platform(s): iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad
Genre: Games
Rated 4+
Price: $.99
Purchase From: Apple App Store

Vikings Row! is a 5 out of 5 on the addictive meter.

The Scoop: I-play, Oberon Media’s publishing division has done it again.. Only this time in a Norse-themed arcade game. I for one, have Norse tendencies, meaning, I like to build battleships made of raw wood that smells of rich mahogany and eat grisly meat cooked to a rare perfection over a fiery inferno built upon logs and stones.

And of course, as I-play put it… and in the voice of Bruce Frederick Joseph Springsteen (a.k.a. “The Boss), Baby… baby… I was “Bjorn to row.” [See "Born to Run" on YouTube.] But I digress.

The Setup: Users collect as many gold coins as possible in the given timeframe by guiding a swift and agile boat through six dangerous worlds. Collect power-ups, earn awards, score bonus points and find hidden challenges throughout the 48 levels.

What makes this game a 5 out of 5 on the addictive level, is its interactive, thumb-swiping gestures that enables the motley crew of Vikings to recover their lost fortune after a wild night of Viking drinking games. Yes, Viking drinking games.

I think a great add to this game would be the actual pre-cursor to the hungover adventure, aptly titled “Uff da!” or “Viking Drinking Games.” i-Play… if you do use these names, at least give me a shout out.

Back to gameplay. As players set out to complete the mission, they swipe both thumbs alongside the longship to steer straight. Swipe the left to turn left and right to turn right. Swipe backward with the left thumb and forward with the right thumb to do a quick turn and so forth.

Players try to avoid perilous traps throughout the six Viking worlds that include their home Midgard, the Maelstrom underworld, the inside of Hron the whale, the icy world of Niflheim, the lava rivers of Hel and finally the warrior playgrounds of Valhalla. By unlocking the Berserk Mode power up, the plunderers will be able to smash objects and collect coins more efficiently, showing off the true power of those horned helmets.

What’s Hot:

- This is a game based off of a bunch of Vikings who might have had a few too many Jaegers. Exquisite.
- Fully iOS4 compliant and truly beautiful and colorful graphics built for Retina Display
- Vikings can opt to listen to their own music while playing

What’s Not:

- Controls are a bit touchy, but users will quickly learn how to handle their longship and will be collecting gold in no time

Final Verdict: 5 out of 5 on the addictive meter for its beautifully executed interactive gameplay, attractive graphics and original story. And for $.99, you will very satisfied with your purchase.

Download at the Apple App Store.

View Vikings Row! trailer.