Made available on the App Store towards the end of 2008, Rolando remains one of the best games on the platform. A physics-based platformer, the aim of game is to guide your "Rolandos" to the end-of-level gate, avoiding the numerous pitfalls and enemies along the way. The control scheme is simple yet incredibly effective. You select a Rolando by tapping it, then tilt the iPod left or right to move them in the desired direction. You can drag a box around more than one to move them as a group, and simply swipe upwards anywhere on the screen. If a Rolando is unselected, then it does not move when the iPod is tilted, meaning your work will not fall apart with one wrong tilt.
The story in Rolando may not be the most important aspect, but it works none the less. Rolando Central is under attack, and you, the Almighty Finger, must help the Rolandos back to the Sages to save them. Surprisingly, they've alreadt been kidnapped, so the Rolandos must enter Shadow Valley in an attempt to find them. It's not threatening Half Life 2's storytelling crown, but it's a nice addition.
There are four separate worlds in game, each containing nine levels, making a total of 36 individual levels. The first world is a good introduction to the game, introducing the different kinds of mission you can expect. The second world adds more puzzle elements, such as the use of bombs, lift and catapults. The third world sees you drawing paths to reach the end of the level, and the final world has you charging through enemy territory to defeat your foe. Each world has a distinct visual style, all of which are charming to look at, as well as being practical for game play.
Whilst ngmoco have included different kinds of Rolando, such as the King and Queen, who must be pushed around the level, or the Prince, who rolls in a given direction until bumping into something, you feel others could have been included to mix up game play. An example could be a Rolando that could survive in hazardous materials, like lava or acid. This lack of variety in Rolandos means that you'll find yourself doing a similar set of missions in each world. It's not noticeable enough to ruin the fun, but sometimes the "escorting the King" missions get slightly tedious.
Throughout Rolando, I had a great time playing the game. Each level presents a new challenge, and you really beginning to get attached to the different Rolandos. It might just be my weird attachment to game characters, but I hated letting any of the little guys get killed. Sometimes I would restart a level just so I could get them all through safely. But ultimately, Rolando let me down at the last fence. As I approached the final level, I couldn't help wondering how the game would wrap itself up. I couldn't see there being a conventional boss fight, since the game isn't focused on combat. But unfortunately, there was a sort of boss fight, with some simple platforming elements. It was a relatively easy level and felt like a slightly weak finish. It didn't ruin the game, but just made the ending seem a little less special.
Finally, Rolando has heaps of replay-ability. Each level has three medals, one for saving all Rolandos, one for beating the level within the time limit and one for getting all the hidden diamonds. These mean you will be coming back for more on each level, to see if you can beat the game fully. On top of this, ngmoco are releasing regular level updates until this summer, meaning you won't be short of a challenge for long.
If you have an iPod Touch, this is a must-have, whether you be a serious or casual gamer, and is a great cheap buy, especially considering the sequel is released this summer. Rolando may just turn out to be the iPod's killer franchise.
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