Tech-Gaming Technology, Gaming, and Culture
system starts off as a success. Only the passage of time can really
show what works and what doesn’t. Like it or not, a game system is
truly defined by the games developed for it. The potential of a system
like the Wii is often wasted. The power of a system like the Atari 2600
is still tested to this day by homebrewers. Every successful game system has a game or games that proves the system’s worth. I believe Eliss for the iPhone/Touch is the first game to prove that the device has the ability to do what no other game system does.
Eliss
is an indie action/puzzle game set in the “bizarro galaxy” that tasks
you with combining and separating planets of various colors. In each
sector of the game (20 in all) planets of various colors, as well as
similarly colored mysterious astrological anomalies known as
“squeesars”, will appear in random locations on the screen. As planets
spawn, you must keep planets of differing color from touching each
other or your lifebar will decrease drastically. Once you’ve pinched
together planets of the same color, or pulled them apart depending, you
must drag them onto squeesars of the same color to create supernovae.
Supernovae will release stardust which, when tapped, will refill your
lifebar. Other things like vortices and stars will appear to add to the
chaos. If you’re confused (admit it, you are), then try watching the
trailer found on the game’s site .
What really helps to set Eliss
apart from other games is its ability to recognize up to 5 touch-points
at once using the iPhone’s/Touch’s multitouch screen. It’s not just a
game that uses multitouch. It’s a game that uses multitouch really
well. It gives you the ability to drag, pinch and pull apart planets
and tap stardust with several fingers at once. Each sector of the game
is brilliantly designed, as well, to be both surprisingly unique from
the other sectors and unforgivingly challenging. While the basic
gameplay mechanics are actually quite simple (make and drag planets
that are the appropriate size to squeesars of the same color) the
clever sector design, randomization and multitouch-based gameplay
combined with the extreme difficulty make the game very addictive but
with a lasting freshness.
This game is not easy. It’s not hard. It’s extremely hard. To quote former 1UP.com Community Manager, Jenn Frank, “I can see what needs to happen, and I want to make that happen, but I’m
graceless and stupid, my brain motoring at half-speed. I’ve shown Eliss
to others, demonstrating its artfulness and my stupidity. Friends
invariably pluck my iPhone from my hands, to show me how it’s done, and
then they don’t want to give me my phone back.” She’s being too hard on
herself but I can relate. I attempted to console Jenn with, “Yes, I
love this game… It’s so hard… but I love it, darn it! Keep at it. Games
this hard but this good make you better at games.” I hope she does keep
at it, because this game is worth it.
I’m
currently on sector twelve and it was an uphill, frustrating battle
getting there… but I truly loved it and I continue to love it. I like
games that one must spend time mastering. This game has at times seemed
too hard
for me, yet it has at no point truly been insurmountable. I continued
playing. I continued to love the game. In times of failure, I
eventually fell into a groove (and perhaps the randomization took some
mercy on me) and I progressed. This game is in no way casual. It’s best
played with your device sitting on a flat surface, using your complete
concentration and several fingers. You will fail, but in you’ll want to
keep playing, and in time you too will progress. I’ve spoken at length
with the game’s developer, Steph Thirion. He’s a really nice guy who’s
clearly quite brilliant. He’s assured me that he’s happy with the game
difficulty and all. So am I, Steph!
While Eliss
may have a revolutionary control scheme, it’s decidedly retro from
difficulty to appearance, to sound and music. The game uses simple but
gorgeous vector-based graphics and features lo-fi sounds and a
beautiful synth soundtrack that helps to sooth you during those
inevitable defeats. It can really take you back to the days when
innovative gameplay mechanics were plentiful and games were easy on the
eyes and ears, but not obsessed with appearance. Despite my not yet
having beaten the game, my only request is more! (An endless mode, time
trial mode, etc.) Fortunately Steph has informed me that an update with
“new stuff” will be released in time. Eliss costs $3.99 USD but
I’d happily pay more. This is the first game that proves that the
iPhone/Touch can do what no other game system has and it’s arguably the
best game available for the device to date.
Great review. Sounds like to really liked it.
Hate Jenn Frank though.
Looks very cool, love the 8 bit music.
Purchased. Never heard of this one. Thanks guys.
This is why the iphone>DS.
She probably has strongly mixed feelings about you, too.
How to ‘earn’ an A on techgaming:
1) if your game is a FPS, send it to DesertEagle. He likes them all, and will give Resistance 2 an A.
2) Indie? Submit to TideGear. He will fall for it’s lo-res charms, and give it an A.
3) If all else fails pay them big money.
I doubt in this economy anyone is being paid BIG money.
Christ on a crutch this game is hard? What level are you people on???
And I’m sure people don’t listen to people with ‘rapist’ in their username.
How do you ‘lose’ I still don’t understand the concept.
I cant wait for more app from this guy. Eliss is great. Thanks for he info.
From the review – “As planets spawn, you must keep planets of differing color from touching each other or your lifebar will decrease drastically.”
seems clear to me.
To be fair, the rule set is a bit confusing at first.
Haha, wow. Awww, the AnonyMice are grumpy today!
My guess is he`s a little pouty about getting hit with a 1up.com ban-hammer or something.
You and me both! Sure thing!
Hope you enjoy it!
Maybe we can talk Steph into releasing the soundtrack!
If Steph Thirion is reading this, I’d like to see a free play mode.
Perhaps once you unlock levels, you can play them without worry of passing or failing.
Also, multiple difficulty levels for those of us who aren’t fast with our fingers.
I think he was TRYING (and failing) to be funny.
Squeesars is an awesome word.
Awesome review.
Please do! Really like some of the music.
Sorry, but I like my Ds better for gaming. Iphone is a great all in one system, but gaming isn’t as good.
Both systems have their strengths and weaknesses. I enjoy both!
It’s nothing short of brilliant, haha!
Eliss is now on sale for $2.99! It’s also been updated to v1.1…
“The original 20 sectors have been modified into 25 sectors, to have a gentler difficulty curve and to allow a better learning progression. And some specific levels that were too hard have been tweaked down. Don’t get me wrong, Eliss is still challenging, but in a way that is better balanced, less jumpy, more user friendly.”
Further the details on the update (from the iTunes page):
– sectors increase from 20 to 25. Difficulty curve is now gentler, and learning pacing has been improved. Please go to http://www.toucheliss.com/update1 for more details.
– suns entering the game can be spotted earlier.
– the special ending sector is now directly accessible (after unlock).
– various interface improvements, including a new how-to page.
– added compatibility with iPhone OS 2.2.”