‘Tomb of the Mask’ is a fast-paced arcade platformer

 

While we all love complex stories and blockbuster visuals, sometimes, all it takes for a video game to survive the decades is simple charm. Which, if you think about it, explains the longevity of arcade classics such as “Pac-Man” and “Donkey Kong.”

 

Combine the easy, pixelated appeal of the 80s arcade game with something as equally retro as “Indiana Jones,” and you’ve got “Tomb of the Mask” – an addictive, fast-paced mobile title that’s part platformer, part puzzle game, part endless runner, and all arcade.

 

 

 

 

Tomb Raiding

 

“Tomb of the Mask” doesn’t really have much of a story. You’re basically an adventurer raiding a tomb for treasures, until said tomb decides you’re better off as food for worms. So you put on a magic mask, and – with your new powers – zip, zoom, and dash through an obstacle course filled with coins and devilish traps.

 

The controls are simple. Swiping in any of the four directions will have you rushing through space until you come into contact with a wall, floor, or ceiling – to which you’ll stick like a fly, until you decide to go speeding off in another direction. This way, you can navigate through narrow corridors and wide open spaces until you reach your goal at the highest point of the vertical labyrinth.

 

Of course, it isn’t a proper tomb without traps! Your biggest worry is a rising wall of incandescent murder that chases you relentlessly. This forces you to be always on the move, ensuring there is never a lull in the action.

 

And then you’ve got spikes, spring-loaded blade traps, giant snakes that bust through walls, flying monkeys that shoot balls at you, and other nasties. Simply put, these tombs will throw everything at you.

 

Because death is everywhere, you must balance your furious swiping with quick thinking. Lose your wits, and you might just hurl yourself into the jaws of an oncoming serpent. Accuracy is also key to victory; knowing exactly where to land, when there are beds of spikes gracing almost every wall, will save you from a lot of pain.

 

The maze-like levels are cleverly designed, often providing more than one circuitous path to the same destination, and pressuring you to think on your feet. The best thing about the levels, however, is that they’re procedurally generated. So even if you die and start from the beginning, you’ll always find yourself in new environments. This way, “Tomb of the Mask” avoids the tedium associated with endless runners.

 

 

 

 

Death and coins

 

Dying is unavoidable in “Tomb of the Mask”; in fact, you’ll be doing it a lot. Thankfully, the coins you gather throughout your adventures can be used to revive yourself so you can start from where you left off. You can also use them to purchase permanent upgrades, shields, and new masks.

 

Alternatively, you can use real money to buy coins. The game isn’t stingy, however; after every run, you’re given the opportunity to watch a 30-second advertisement, which rewards you 500 coins. As you augment your powerups, the opportunity to collect more coins will also come more frequently. Additionally, there are coin-filled bonuses stages to watch out for.

 

The “Pac-Man” dots, on the other hand, give you points that allow you to level up – which in turn raises your score modifier. Harking back to the arcade games of yore, “Tomb of the Mask” compels you to beat your best score, so leveling up has it uses.

 

Part of the game’s addictive quality also comes from its degree of difficulty. It’s challenging, yes, but fair, and not so hard that it’ll discourage you from trying again. In fact, you will try again, because you’ll be convinced that you can do better on the next attempt.

 

Lastly, it’s worth mentioning that “Tomb of the Mask” boasts uncomplicated yet vibrant old school visuals. Looks-wise, think of it as “Pac-Man,” only with better animation, and levels that aren’t limited to a single, static screen.

 

 

 

 

Quality arcade gaming on the go

 

“Tomb of the Mask” is an action-packed arcade platformer that’s all about precision and quick, intelligent decisions. Its challenging labyrinths and randomly generated levels ensure great replay value, while its colorful graphics will please classic arcade game enthusiasts and modern gamers alike. Best of all, it’s absolutely free. Easy to pick up, and often quite hard to put down, it’s a fast and fun romp through some of the most ingeniously designed levels in mobile gaming. — TJD, GMA News

 

 

Rating – 8.5/10

Platforms: iOS devices (iOS 7.0 and up)