One of the PR quotes on the app store page
likens Squids by The Game Bakers to a melding
of Angry Birds and Final Fantasy Tactics.
It's right in the sense that you're using
your finger to fling cute animals at their
enemies under the guise of a tactical RPG
system, but for those looking for the depth
of a Final Fantasy Tactics, you're probably
going to be disappointed.
That's not to sell the game short however,
as its novel approach and the way it eases
into game concepts will please both new comer
and veteran alike.
Squid kids Steev and Valhine are off exploring
old ruins for sunken treasure when they come
across a dark portent.
A black ooze is returning and is threatening
their lands.
It's up to them and a host of colorful characters
with their own unique abilities to fight back
this menace one turn at a time.
Squids are controlled by stretching them in
the opposite direction to where you want to
go and letting them fly.
Each class of squid has its own useful secondary
ability.
Scouts can dash to explore levels quickly,
medics heal others by bumping into them, shooters
can... shoot, and troopers can send out a
shockwave.
Flinging squids into enemies will damage them
or bump them off the level, but the same can
be done to your team members, so you do need
to watch your positioning.
Each level awards pearls for successful completion
targets, and these pearls can be used to level
up your current team members, or to buy new
hats from the store.
These hats boost character stats, and more
pearls can be purchased in app if you want
a significant advantage.
The art style is vibrant and eye pleasing,
but where the presentation really shines is
with the music.
Both relaxing and jaunty, the Caribbean feel
will help the levels pass by much more quickly.
Squids is perfect for both the casual fan
and players looking for something with a little
more substance.
The game is easy to pick up and learn, and
the difficulty never ramps up to a point that's
a deal breaker.
Those who like leveling and playing with team
load outs to get the highest score possible
out of each level will also find themselves
wasting the hours on this light and fun RPG
experience.
