Wednesday App Review: Fast like a Fox

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Although I enjoy many different types of games, I have to admit that my favorite genre has always been platformer games. There’s just something about the challenge of it that I enjoy. It’s a mix of problem-solving and skill, and the graphics are usually pretty sweet too. And, I’m pleased to report that Fingersoft’s app Fast like a Fox is not an exception to this at all.

fast-like-a-fox-screenshot

In this adorable platformer, you play as a little paper-folded fox who is trying to collect back all of stolen treasures of the Golden Fox Tribe. This side-scrolling game allows you to run through various different and equally cute levels, collecting coins and gemstones and trying to beat each level as quickly as possible. The music is pretty fast-paced and upbeat; it reminded me a bit of those old school arcade games in a way. But all of that is pretty standard for a platformer. What made me fall in love with this game is the controls. The main problem I tend to have with platforming apps is the controls, but Fast like a Fox has one of the most unique control systems I’ve ever seen. Although tapping the screen to move is an option, if your phone comes with the right tech, you can actually drum the back of the phone to control speed while a single tap on the other side of the screen will make the little guy jump. It’s simple, yet genius. There is a bit of a learning curve to the tapping, and you can set it to tap the screen instead if you like, but personally I found tapping the back of the screen way more intuitive and a lot more fun. Here’s a promo video showing the controls: The physics of the levels is actually pretty well done as well, and sharp inclines and speed changes will alter how your fox runs, how far they jump, and how high he goes. It’s truly a clever idea and on my LG G4, it worked beautifully. It is worth noting, however, that some lower-end phones may not have the sensors for the tapping the back of the device to work, and I read several reviews where people had trouble getting it to register. It did take me a while to figure out how hard I had to tap it to get it to work, but if it helps, using a rhythm seems to work best for me. Fast like a Fox can be downloaded and played for free, although there are ads. You can pay the developer $0.99 to remove the ads, which I highly recommend as it is well worth the trouble. Basically everything else can be gained through playing through the levels, although if users are extremely impatient, you can pay $2 to unlock the additional characters: a golden fox and a chicken. Personally, I think that this game is a really solid choice and it was surprisingly not too hard on the battery, all things considered. Fast like a Fox is available through the Google Play Store, the Apple Store, and Amazon’s App Store. It does look like the game is 100% free with Amazon Underground, if that’s your thing, but personally I feel like it takes some of the fun out of it. Have you played this game? Tell me in the comments below!]]>

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