We suppose if there are 1000 levels to get through, it makes sense you’re only allowed a few seconds on each
Given the staggering popularity of catapulting miffed avians at porcine villains, one might be forgiven for thinking all iOS gaming is built around artillery games. And, to be fair, not only is there great satisfaction to be had in flinging things at other things, but this is a genre in which almost anyone can understand, in an instant, what to do. However, Angry Birds and similar titles often obscure events with a layer of randomness, reducing skill to ‘fling and hope’; thus the experience is far from precise.
PUK is the super-slick, aerodynamic evil twin of such titles. There are no cartoon creatures, just white discs atop a solid orange background. There are no ‘special’ projectiles – each one is identical. What there is, however, is a relentless countdown that tests your memory, dexterity and nerve to the limits.
As each level begins, you see your projectiles lined up at the foot of your device’s display; a split-second later, your test is revealed. You’ve then mere moments to figure out how best to use your discs to obliterate those elsewhere on the screen. Initially, the challenge is simple, yet still nerve-wracking, largely due to the pulsating minimalist score. Before long, though, you’re juggling angles like some kind of manic pool shark.
Beyond the refined action, PUK also plays with tempo. Although the timer’s length diminishes as you progress, the difficulty increase isn’t directly linear. At level 20 – and every ten thereafter – there’s a ferocious ‘black’ level; otherwise, layouts are randomly drawn from a selection of 1000. Therefore, you’re always on your toes, ready for a level demanding complex rebounds, ricochets or Multi-Touch firing to speed it up.
It’s an intoxicating combination of fast-paced action and clever level design, which also subtly adjusts per device. Although the iPad’s larger screen affords more space for finger gymnastics and enables more aiming precision, the iPhone’s smaller form makes it easier to nudge a stationary puck further along its path, as the timer ticks mercilessly on.
Verdict:
As much an endurance trial and test of nerves as a streamlined flicker, PUK is beautiful yet merciless.
Price: $1.99
Universal: Yes
App size: 13.2MB
Developer: Laser Dog Games Ltd