Developed by My Owl Software
Released for XBLIG (5/2010)
Also on PC
Apple Jack is a 2D platformer/puzzler with some interesting mechanics. Like in Amazing Princess Sarah (which came out well after this game), you can pick up your enemies and throw them at other enemies. Retro game fanatics might recall a similar mechanic in Super Mario Bros 2, although in Apple Jack after picking up an enemy you're able to aim where you want to throw them. If you eliminate multiple enemies in rapid succession, you'll build up a combo multiplier and enemies will spill lots of coins. The higher your multiplier, the more coins, and it's quite satisfying to see an enemy rain coins all over the place when you're doing well.
You play as a character with a human body and an apple for a head. Apple Jack is definitely a strange game, and I can easily say this is the first time I'd ever thought of or seen a washing machine get chucked at a panda. The zaniness definitely gives the game some charm, but a 2D platformer is only as good as its controls. Luckily, Apple Jack provides the player with some very responsive play controls. Jack can crouch, roll under low surfaces and jump off walls to reach higher platforms, all with ease. A stage is cleared once you've eliminated all enemies and the game transitions quickly into the next stage. The levels get tough pretty quick and even so much as touching an enemy means instant death unless you land directly on top of them. The game is generous and allows you to retry the stage you're on as many times as needed. The full game sports 100 levels which gives it tons of replay value, and it went for only a buck when it was on XBLIG! Fans of retro platformers, give Apple Jack a look! The game lives on beyond XBLIG and can easily be played on your PC. The package available on Steam contains both the first and second games in the Apple Jack series (link below).
Final Verdict: Apple Jack is a solid 2D platformer that rests among the top tier of XBLIG games. For a buck, this one's no-brainer for platformer fans!
Related Links:
Apple Jack 2 - Xbox Overview
Amazing Princess Sarah - Xbox Overview
Apple Jack - GameFAQs
Apple Jack 1&2 for PC - Steam
My Owl Software Official Website
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