GAME: Hang Line: Mountain Climber by Yodo1 Games
GENRE: Arcade, physics
PLATFORMS: Android, iOS
Hang Line: Mountain Climber is a 2D physics-based mobile game that puts you in the shoes of a mountain climber with a grappling hook. There has been an explosion at a lab up in the mountains, and it’s up to you to navigate through difficult passes and save trapped survivors.
The gameplay is unique: wherever you tap on the screen, your climber shoots a grappling claw, hooks onto the mountain and swings from a rope trying to climb higher. The swinging mechanics are physics-based, and getting used to the controls takes a while. You’ll need to learn where to tap and when to let go in order to move smoothly from one rock to another. However, once mastered, finishing smooth consecutive swings is highly satisfying and makes you feel like Spiderman.
There are about 50 unique levels in the game, and although they are short, you will need multiple attempts to clear some. Your goal is to find and save three survivors in each level and then reach the top of the mountain. The levels are well-designed, and finding survivors makes you take risks and explore dangerous areas. There will come moments when you pause before making a risky jump and get a pump of exhilaration when you do make it. A variety of obstacles will try to stop you from climbing, such as mountain goats that kick you if you get too close, and brittle ice that won’t support your weight for long. These obstacles make each level an interesting puzzle to navigate with skill and timing.
As you progress, you unlock new chapters with new mountains and mechanics, such as lava or falling rocks. Although the game doesn’t have a story, each chapter starts with a newspaper report detailing who needs rescuing on the mountain, often with humorous reasons given. You can also select power-ups before starting a level, such as a punching glove for punching the goats, or a jetpack to fly back up if you fall.
The graphics are 3D low-poly style. The game can be played in portrait mode with the phone in one hand, but it needs you to tap on faraway corners of the screen, which may not always be possible with your thumb. As a result, you may need to use two hands to play the game. The only problem I encountered while playing Hang Line was that the physics could be a bit glitchy at times. This made it difficult to swing predictably and got me stuck on certain levels after I’d spent my precious power-ups.
VERDICT: Overall, Hang Line is a fun physics-based game that aloows you to fulfil your Spiderman fantasies. The gameplay is unique, fresh and thrilling, and the new obstacles keep things interesting throughout the game. The setting is humorous and there are plenty of moments that will make you smile. However, the bugs with the physics can be frustrating and mar the experience at times. Overall, I would give Hang Line an 8.5 out of 10.
