 |
| OVERALL RATING |
3.0 |
| Presentation |
 |
4.0 |
| Control |
 |
3.0 |
| Gameplay |
|
3.0 |
| Fun factor |
|
3.0 |
| User Rating |
 |
3.0 |
 |
Posted: November 13, 2006
3D Tilt-A-World is a pinball-like game where players must guide their ball through a playfield packed with switches, targets, bumpers and spawn holes. The unique feature of this game is that it is one of the first to utilize the mobile phone’s camera as part of the game play.
The ball’s movement is controlled through camera-based motion detection, which means that when a player tilts the phone, the 3D playfield also tilts to move the Ball through levels with maze-like paths. The player must maneuver the ball through the fields, collecting gems for score, avoiding falls and trying to get to the end before time runs out. There are nine total levels to complete and within them you’ll also find extra time and ball pick-ups.
Each of the levels proves to be a good test not just because they are tricky, but also because the motion detection technology still isn’t completely perfect. For instance, first, you must ensure that the camera is pointed to a heavily textured surface for orientation and that your hand doesn’t block the camera lens in any way. Also, with all of the tilting, a number of times the alignment will offset, causing the ball to go in a different direction of your tilt. You must hit the Brake button to stop the ball, level the phone once again, and then continue on. But perhaps the toughest part is that because of the tilting, the phone screen might constantly be at an angle where it makes it difficult for the user to actually see what’s going on.
Despite this, the game maintains an air of playability that should keep players interested because there are really no buttons to fumble over, unless of course you decide to turn off the motion detection in favor of using the keypad for controlling the tilt of the playfield. This however does take away from the game’s unique appeal.
3D Tilt-A-World is a very good indicator of how other features of a mobile phone can be used to successfully provide new and distinctive gaming experiences. The technology it incorporates is great, but by no means perfect right now, it needs more time. It still remains a fun and challenging game, like one you’d find in a redemption arcade, so at the very least you’ll make people wonder what the heck you’re doing with that phone of yours.
