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Today I’ve been a playing a new indie game on my Android mobile called BucketMan, with an original concept based around GPS integration. The game is developed by a group of guys lead by Felix Butzbach, and is seemingly inspired by the retro classic Pac-Man game with its own individual twist. The player controls the character around a Google Maps style level that can be downloaded using location services from your own device, which allows you to actually physically play in your town or neighbourhood, giving a really personal and tailored atmosphere. The idea seems to be that your town is being attacked by automated AI vehicles, and it’s your job to paint them different colours…I THINK…it’s not identified in an extremely clear way.
The gameplay is slightly challenging but not intensely difficult, and doesn’t really capture the strain of games such as Pac-Man where the ghosts would strategically try to outsmart you. In BucketMan the AI vehicles seem to just aimlessly drive around in different directions and are quite easy to avoid and jump over. I believe that it would be more enjoyable for children to play than gamers such as myself as there doesn’t really seem to be a solid goal to the game, and the story used doesn’t make too much sense. Maybe I missed the point of the game, but I didn’t really understand why I had to drop paint on the enemy cars as it didn’t destroy them or anything like that, just changed their colour. I think the game could definitely benefit from some developed narrative and explanation into the back story of the game and the reason that the player has to actually be there.
There are several customizable options within the game that help to create an enjoyable and progressive experience, such as the ability to upgrade your character by making you faster, jump a lot higher and a variation of other enhancements. These can all be accessed via the ‘Garage’ which is the players hub to select missions, and other playable features. If you get into the flow of the game it’s something that you can end up spending a lot of time on and become an addictive mobile procrastination to pass time when you want a quick gaming fix.
Musically and graphically it’s a very urban themed game, and I enjoyed the feel of the setting that is produced by this. The controls are well designed and almost make your handset feel like an actual old style game controller, with a joystick and side buttons, although I feel that the joystick isn’t 100% necessary for the simplicity of the controls needed to get through the game. All in all BucketMan is a mobile game that has a unique approach and design inspired by other successful arcade names, and it’s great to see a first time developer come up with something that isn’t just entirely the same as every other indie game being released right now, but personally I think that a lot more direction and finishing needs to be given to this game as it currently stands for it to become a truly great title.
Don’t just take my word for it though, you can download and play the game for free right HERE
As ever, thanks for reading, let us know what you think of the game if you try it out!
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George
Within the Game 