Exception

PROGRAMMING MEETS PUZZLE $4.49 | itunes.apple.com/app/ id1439153819?mt=8

FOR THOSE LOOKING for a bit of a challenge, Exception is a neat little game that requires you to use basic code to control a little robot (the Exception). There’s no typing or programming knowledge needed there, as the game’s early levels explain how the rudimentary commands work and stringing them together is more based around strategy and puzzle solving than anything else. Levels grow progressively more difficult as time goes on, and in many ways almost overwhelmingly so – this game is exceptionally tough.

While the controls and the graphics are great, with the game utilising the high resolution of the latest phones and tablets to fit a lot of detail into a small space, the game simply assumes far too much knowledge very early on, and some of the middle to later levels are extraordinarily difficult to get through without some incredibly complicated combinations. There’s a little too much limitation in the ability to solve a task – in many cases there is just *one way*, and its about figuring out that specific formula which can be frustrating.

At the same time however, it’s incredibly rewarding once you figure it out, and the storyline is fun and quirky enough to encourage continued play. Well worth checking out if you are looking for some unique puzzle gameplay that requires a decent amount of work and thought to crack.