GAME: Cookies Must Die by Rebel Twins

GENRE: Platformer, action

PLATFORMS: Android, iOS

We’ve seen a lot of sci-fi where people transform into monsters and wreak havoc. But have you ever wondered what would happen if cookies turned into monsters? Developer studio Rebel Twins thought of precisely that and made a fast and satisfying action game called Cookies Must Die.

It begins this way. A cookie-manufacturing robot suddenly gains sentience and starts making monster cookies. As the cookie apocalypse takes over the city, a hero is awoken. You are Jack, a super-secret agent with superpowers and a super beard! With an Angry Bird-like slingshot control, you drag and release to launch Jack into the biscuit beasts and crumble the jam out of them. But unlike Angry Birds, you can manoeuvre Jack mid-air as many times as you want. Time slows down each time you drag, allowing you to launch accurately. This control is tight, fluid and easy to learn, yet it makes you feel immensely powerful as you smash through 20 cookies in slo-mo before even touching the ground.

Unlike most other freeto-play games that are endless and try to make you addicted, Cookies Must Die is an old-school level-based game with a definite end. As you progress, new types of evil cookies appear and you hone your dodging as well as smashing skills. You also encounter intense boss fights that end with an explosive escape sequence. Coins can be spent on unlocking new weapons or power-ups. The game stays fast-paced and doesn’t become frustratingly hard even when the difficulty level increases. The problem with most level-based mobile games is that they either run out of levels too quickly or repeat the same levels till you get bored. Cookies Must Die manages to avoid both by giving enough content and variety for days. Speaking of quality, there’s polish in art, story, music and visual effects.

I usually keep this paragraph for stating the cons, but this is one of those rare games that doesn’t have many. Sure, the controls need getting some used to, but it’s pretty easy to get a hang of them. The ads are entirely optional and offer good rewards, and even though there are in-app purchases, you can complete the game without them. The only complaint is that the power-ups and weapons appear randomly and get used automatically, so you can’t control when to use them. Although this makes the controls simpler, you can’t save up your bullets for the boss fight, and spending coins to purchase these power-ups seems useless.

VERDICT: Cookies Must Die is a rare gem that offers a premium experience for free without making you addicted to it. The fast-paced action will get you into the flow and make your adrenaline pump. The story is preposterously funny, and the sound and effects add to the personality of the game. This is a mustplay if you’re into action platformer games. I’d rate it nine out of 10.