Spider: The Secret of Bryce Manor for iPhone/Touch Review

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The iPhone has continually proven it’s worth as a game platform. Many games ported from other platforms have done well while the iPhone interface has given a rise to totally new ideas. Some of these ideas are so inventive, putting the game down becomes next to impossible!

Spider: The Secret of Bryce Manor is imaginative, beautiful and addictive!!

The game is played as a spider who finds an abandoned mansion.  Spin webs in each of the 28 levels to catch and eat various insects while trying to discover the secret of the mansion.  The premise of the game is quite original.  Not only is the game play something not seen before, the graphics and music are fantastic.  Each level is hand drawn with amazing detail.  The illustration has the look and feel of a comic book and kind of dark, which fits well with the theme of an abandoned mansion.

Each level has a number of insects which will become a meal for the spider as they get caught in the web.  A well planned and placed web will save time and collect the most insects.  Moving the spider is intuitive and fun.  Simply touch the screen and the spider runs to that spot.  Flick the spider to jump.  I usually jump everywhere.  These controls are very responsive and perfect for the iPhone screen.  To create a web, touch the spider to load up.  Jump to another point on a wall, lamp or any item.  A silk thread will now connect from these two spots.  The web does have a limited range so each connection must be planned in advance.  Once a shape is outlined with the silk lines, the web appears and bugs can now be caught.

Numerous types of insects accompany each level.  The insects fly at different speeds and directions.  Some insects must be attacked by jumping on them and others must be chased into the web.  There is just enough variation to make each level a different challenge.  I recommend exploring each of the levels fully.  Some levels have secret passages as well as interactive switches.  When a light bulb is present, jump on it.  Some of the bulbs will light up and attract certain insects.  A well placed web near the lights means a feast for the spider.

Spider is truly a unique gaming experience.  I have not been able to put it down for several days.  The game will connect to Facebook and announce on the news feed when a new achievement level has been reached.  My friends probably think I have too much time on my hands with the updates continually being posted.  Spider:  The Secret of Bryce Manor is $2.99 and can be found here in the iTunes store.  This is a must have game!  The entertaining and unique nature of the game cannot be seen until you play it yourself.

What I like: Imaginative game play.  Beautiful hand drawn graphics.  Super entertaining and addictive.

What I don’t: Nothing yet.

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About the Author

Travis Ehrlich
Travis is a high school teacher and coach in a small South Texas town. His love for gadgets began at a very early age, and he has been a cross between a jock and a geek for most of his life. He has two boys and a wonderful wife who lets him be a gadget freak. He is a Mac convert and has drank the whole pitcher of Kool-Aid! He is also an avid guitar player and loves the outdoors, especially hunting with both a bow and rifle.