HookChamp

Price: £1.79

• CONCEPT: 8/10
• GRAPHICS: 9/10
• SOUND: 7/10
• CONTROLS: 9/10
• LASTING APPEAL: 8/10

My first console was a Gamegear, later traded in for a Gameboy but I always regretted swapping SEGAs little joy toy in for (and this may be controversial) an inferior device. HookChamp takes me back to those days, the graphics, the music, even how it controls - all reminiscent of better times when games took control of our minds! … Also a controversial topic.

In HookChamp you play Jake (Indiana Jones) as you/he attempts to escape various temples (treasure in hand) using a grappling hook whilst being chased by a large screaming ghost … lovely, but don’t worry, you’re the HookChamp! You can also get about on foot but this is feels tedious at best and more like a punishment for bodging a swing. It’s faster (and a lot more fun) to rope about using your hook, which is handy as you wouldn’t have a chance in hell of getting out without it.

New temples open up as you buy maps from the local (aptly named) “shop” where you can also purchase hats … a plenty, sometimes people and upgrades for your equipment consisting of a rope, running shoes and a shotgun used to temporarily K.O. the ghost. Upgrading your equipment adds some RPG elements to gameplay and improving your stuff will noticeably improve chances of success.

You can eventually unlock four characters each offering slightly different abilities; fans of Minigore (app) will enjoy the recent addition of the Minigore Temple and John Gore character (only available in the aforementioned temple). Also anyone too fragile to fend off a screaming ghost will welcome Hookbot who allows you to venture enemy free like a large metal Womble.

The game controls feel good and responsive, tapping above the character shoots your hook in that direction allowing it to latch onto in range objects, holding either side of Jake makes him run and pressing the gun icon fires a shot to your left stunning the ghost and, as a side effect, harnessing any kickback to boost you in the opposite direction.

The whole game has been created beautifully with pixelated graphics and a great (reminiscent of Gamegear) soundtrack, I don’t really have any complaints but it would be nice to see some sort of mid-level save point, especially on later temples that take a lot of trial and error, and often pure trial, to get through. None of that matters really, levels are relatively short and well paced, plus HookChamp has got to be the best swing app out there and it’s got a lot to offer, if you’re a Gamegear fan this is the title for you.

Jon