BADLAND

Badland’s unique gameplay and atmosphere make it a must-download.

BADLAND doesn't simply look pretty, it's an absolute treat to play as well as you guide flocks of disturbing creatures through a labyrinth of hazards in an attempt to uncover the secret behind its strange pseudo-mechanized world.

Badland ($3.99, Universal) is such an immersive experience that is not to be missed if you have an iOS device. There are just so many marvelous aspects whether it’s the ornate level design, beautiful graphics, immersive soundtrack, action packed layouts, touch friendly and precise controls, and combination of traps and power-ups. All of it works together in harmony to make Badland an absolute must that is one of the best experiences on iOS.

Badland is easily one of the best iOS games of the year so far; an atmospheric, beautiful, cruel little gem that really shines and shows the quality of this talented 2-guy team.

Brilliant proof that it's possible to craft amazing, substantial games around simple tap controls. [June 2013, p.83]

Frogmind’s debut side-scrolling action adventure game is the most beautiful iOS release I’ve played in a long time.

Badland is a joy to watch, listen to and play. At times the gameplay may feel as if it's dragging you along with little control, but a split second's tap can also make all the difference between life and death and the journey is certainly worthwhile.

A fresh and novel take on the runner genre. Instead of magical reflexes, you need to the rattle the ol' brain box to progress through the ever-darkening day. [Apr 2013]

That type of versatility and richness speaks to the strength of the core ideas behind Badland. In a marketplace lousy with them, Badland is a well-considered and well-executed physics-based puzzle-platformer, tetchy controls notwithstanding.

Though $3.99 seems like a high asking price for the typical iOS game, BADLAND is more than worth it with a beautiful, challenging single-player and fun multiplayer component, and the added bonus of more levels and a furthering of the mysterious story coming in a later update.

Darkly atmospheric, this auto runner of sorts offers plenty of challenges and excitement, all through the use of one-touch controls.

Badland turned out to be a pleasant surprise. The game takes you on a special journey through a beautiful world. From the environments and sounds to the deadly obstacles and puzzles, all elements work seamlessly with each other and it feels like one harmonious whole.

Without any of the microtransaction complications that so characterize the mobile scene right now, Badland stands apart as a world that draws you in completely and immerses you in its charms free of distractions.

Simple, gorgeous, and brutal, Badland is a real treat for the senses that marvels as it challenges.

Badland is a frequently clever and always gorgeous side-scroller for iOS. It has some issues in level pacing, and the physics simulation has that inherent quirk of sometimes acting in unexpected ways, but they are issues quickly forgiven in the moments when Badland truly soars.

It's all pleasingly strange and atmospheric. [July 2013, p.84]

However flawed Badland is, you won’t go wrong if you buy it on sale – it’ll help you to kill some time on a trip.

It’s a great shame, because with tighter controls Frogmind’s charismatic debut would be a memorable one, but as it is it lacks the power to draw you back into its world.