About.com Rating

The Bottom Line

Glyder is a unique aerial action game that will test the patience of even the most hardcore gamer. The high difficulty level may turn novices off, but the addictive gameplay and expansive world make it worth a look.

Pros

• A very original mobile game
• Some of the best visuals available on the iPhone
• Several hours of gameplay
• A deep game design more akin to console than mobile games

Cons

• Controls require a steady, patient hand

• Jewel locations range from easy to very difficult
• Restart points can be farther than desired

Description

• Tilt the iPhone down to dive and gain speed, the reverse to gain altitude
• Collect the different jewels to unlock bonuses; the rarer the jewel, the bigger the bonus
• It is an open world, so the seven islands can be explored in any order at any time
• More than a dozen “achievement” badges are given for reaching different goals
• Crashing will restart the heroine at the last island checkpoint she landed on

Guide Review - Game Review: 'Glyder'

One of the 5 must-have launch games on the Apple iPad!

Glyder is an intense, visually stunning game that takes advantage of the iPhone’s cool tilt sensitive features. The winged heroine, Eryn, must fly through seven island levels collecting jewels and avoiding obstacles. No shooting at enemies or tapping on the screen here: Glyder only requires tilting the iPhone to adjust height, speed and direction. Part flight simulator, part Super Mario Bros., Glyder balances navigating concerns like altitude and acceleration with platform-style challenges like hidden bonuses and secret passageways.

The breathtaking tropical settings and mellow music hide a surprisingly challenging adventure. The controls are fair, but give no slack, and the level layouts will test even the most hardcore arcade jockey.

Publisher: Glu

Genre: Action

Release Date: April 2009

Platform: iPhone/iPod Touch