Game Review: Tap Quest

Tap Quest by Formahead

In Tap Quest, you take on the roles of a party of adventurers. Within your ranks resides a mage (a powerful spell caster that has a ranged attack), an elf archer and a powerful and heavily armored knight (this is your tank). The basic premise of the story is that a dark and powerful warlock stole and hid the crystals of power through out the land. Tired of being subjected to tyranny, your party takes up the challenge of finding the crystals and bringing peace to the land.

The game is surprisingly a lot more intricate than you would think, especially for a free title. Some of the in-game mechanics, such as having your sword and board knight go first to soak up damage (he will take the least due to his heavy armor), and your allies becoming "swooned" (reach zero hit points and be forced to discontinue the fight, for the duration of the quest or until you find an inn) are state of the art. The game also offers a wide variety of enemies to best.

Some other cool in game functions include the use of potions, bombs, hidden keys, doors, monsters and other surprises. Although the game doesn't have any sound effects or music to speak of, it is still quite challenging, and long! With 50 missions so far and another one being added every Monday, the game is quite a bit longer than you would expect.

Graphically it's not all that groundbreaking. In fact, I would even go so far to say that it's like going back in time, back to the days of the Nes and Turbo Graphics 16 console. Don't be to discouraged though, what the game lacks in standardized graphics, music and even sound effects, it totally makes up for it with fun and sometimes challenging game play. There are bombs to blow up obstructions, potions to heal your party, inns to sleep at and shops to buy items.

The good: Surprisingly intricate for a free title, addictive game play, and challenging puzzles and mazes to solve.

The bad: The graphics aren't that great, no music or sound effects.

The breakdown: Wow! This game is a really, really big achievement considering the fact that it's totally free and the number of quests (50, thats right 5-0) and the fact that new quests are continuously being added every week. This is a great example of how to make a very entertaining and lasting free game. Take note developers; these guys know what they are doing! 4/5