Cut the rope: magic review – magic everywhere

Angry Birds – cartoons, toys, cartoon t-shirts. Such popularity reflects positively on other products, particularly for Rovio. They made a fun game that attracted a lot of people and licensed it. We are talking about Cut the Rope.

The gist of the game

There’s already tons of themed merchandise (and apparently a movie is in development). Basically, there’s an adorable round candy hanging from a rope (or a series of ropes). You have to cut this rope so that it can go into some kind of green creature, which is basically a mouth with legs. There are also bubbles, mechs and other tricks and traps that will help or hinder progress.

It’s a simple formula that transfers very well to touchscreens, and the rope-cutting is a pretty fun move. Despite how brilliantly designed each similar principle game is, there comes a point at times when the player gives up and switches to something else.

Part of the reason is that solving levels is often time-limited (e.g. spiders crawling along ropes to steal candy). So there are usually problems with finding a solution and doing it perfectly in the time required in later versions.

The game might actually be a little easier than it looks. But there are definitely some pretty cleverly designed levels, especially during boss battles. As well as being a bit simple this time around, there are also quite a few clever new mechanics.

Features

Each player gets the ability to transform Am Nyam, the top hero, into different forms with new abilities that are needed to complete most levels. There’s a mouse that thinks the candy is cheese and follows it. There’s also a bird that floats above the ground and a fish that swims down.

Tiny Am Yum can fit in a confined space, and a ghost that lets objects pass through his body. There’s also a super cool tunneling mechanic where you can use your finger to draw a path through some weird purple material. Candy and characters can pass through it.

On top of that, an interesting art style is also present. The game looks less flat, and the characters and environments are almost three-dimensional, but they really aren’t. Colours are vibrant and there’s a great sense of lighting on every level. The visuals are pleasing to the eye, given that everyone’s playing conditions are different.

The game is pay-per-play, but does not contain an IAP. It’s mostly only used for opening levels faster and buying hints. But none of these things are even remotely necessary to complete or enjoy the game. Plus, the player gets some of them for free every four hours.

Playing this game is sheer fun, with even better visuals and even smoother gameplay that fans of the series have come to expect from Zepto Lab. There’s also a bunch of great new mechanics in the form of unique creature abilities that make for some impressive puzzles. Best of all, overall everything feels a little more relaxed, which is great for people who tend to be anxious and bad at puzzles.