Hyperforma
Bounce off walls, destroy blocks: that’s hacking
$3.99 From Fedor Danilov, nordunit.com Made for iPhone, iPad, iPad touch Needs iOS 9 or later
Hyperforma imagines the process of hacking into computer cores as a complicated game of Arkanoid, in which you drag on the screen to manipulate a 3D collection of blocks shielding the core from your attacks, while your character bounces around the outside, ricocheting off the walls and — at the tap of an on-screen button — diving toward the core on an attack vector. Bash away enough of the shielding, and the core becomes vulnerable. Hit it, and you’re in.
Cores don’t give up their secrets too easily, though, as special blocks that can’t be bashed, or which reset the blocks to their original configuration, get in your way. Luckily, you have special powers, such as more powerful attacks or clones that attack from different angles.
It’s all set to a wonderful electronic soundtrack, and the art style — all pulsating cubes and an avatar who leaves a golden trail as he flies — looks a treat. The combination of on-screen fingerdragging and button tapping makes for the occasional fumble, however — and it’s easier to play on iPhone than iPad, since your hands are closer together.
Apart from this slight control niggle, and the fact that the game eventually becomes repetitive, Hyperforma is pure arcade fun that taxes your 3D spatial reasoning with enough story to keep you plugging away. A high performer indeed.
the bottom line. Hyperforma is bursting with arcade puzzling fun — it’s Breakout like you’ve never experienced it before.