NEXX Studio recently released a new game for the iPhone called Photo Spot. The goal is to find a number of differences between two seemingly-identical images. The concept behind this game isn't new -- newspapers and travel-entertainment books have included this sort of puzzle for years. However, it can become quite difficult at times!
The core gameplay is pretty straight-forward. There are four alterations for each image. The differences can appear on either of the two image copies. You are trying to beat a timer that ends the game if it runs out. You also get three 'hints' per game, revealing one alteration per hint. If you find all four changes in a particular set quickly, you get bonus points. To identify a difference, you just tap where you think it is, and if you are correct a green circle appears surrounding it.
What really impressed me about this game were some smaller touches that are often overlooked in other games that are rushed to the iPhone platform. First, the graphics are great. Bright, colorful, and consistent across all the game screens. I would equate it to a Nintendo game for the Wii, which is definitely worthy. Second, the effects and soundtrack are light, pleasant and cheerful, and the perfect accompaniment to the graphics. Plus, the game asks if you want sound or not when you launch, which is perfect if you are in a crowded area like the cabin of an airplane.
Overall, I was pleasantly surprised by the playability of Photo Spot. Some photos are definitely more challenging than others, and sometimes you get a picture you've had in the past, but otherwise made with a lot of polish and attention toward keeping the action fun and light. Currently, Photo Spot is available for 99 cents in the iTunes Store.
Read more by Phil Glockner at Scribkin.com.