Tapper World Tour
Available for iPhone, iPod touch and iPad
(reviewed on iPad)
Game developer: Square One Studios
Game Publisher: Warner Bros. Digital Distribution
Release Date: March 16, 2011
Official website: www.squareonestudios.com
Game Recommendation:
Recommended download!
Review summary:
Tapper World Tour builds upon the classic addictive Tapper arcade game and looks sharp with Don Bluth’s and Square One Studios unique illustrative style. A few new gameplay power-ups and features are introduced and the Endless Mode game challenge offers up a great Leaderboard replay value. If you loved the original Tapper or want an iOS game that truly delivers a challenging arcade twitch feel, Tapper World Tour is a must.
Tapper World Tour review
One of the arcade classics from the early ’80s was Bally Midway’s Tapper (aka Root Beer Tapper for the kids). The gameplay was simple enough, where players were tasked with serving up mugs to a steady stream of thirsty patrons. The tunes were just as memorable as the gameplay, and the addictive quarter-sucking gameplay was a challenge. During that same year, another game was taking the arcades by storm. Don Bluth’s groundbreaking animated laserdisc game, Dragon’s Lair was yet another one of those quarter (or bill) suckers. Fast forward to 2011 and both Tapper and Don Bluth have concocted Tapper World Tour. Publisher Warner Bros. Digital Entertainment and Don Bluth’s Square One Studios deliver Tapper World Tour for the iPhone and iPad. The core gameplay is still intact, where players must tap kegs, serve up mugs to patrons, and collect tips and empty mugs. It is frantic fun. But Tapper World Tour has been given the wonderful signature animated style from Don Bluth and company to deliver a very addictive game with a few new additions that will keep players coming back for more.
As mentioned earlier, some of the original Tapper arcade game foundation is here, keeping it true to its roots. As patrons enter different horizontal bars, leading character Sam will need to tap on a keg to slide a drink over to them. The patron will either grab the mug and slide away, or take a swig and send back a mug for some more. Players will need to catch the mug before it drops off the bar, or a life will be lost. Patrons must also be served before they reach the end of the bar.
Some new elements mix up the variety and gameplay challenge in Tapper World Tour. Tap a “Play” icon to give patrons a little show. This allows for some catching up. Power-ups such as the “Bar Clearer” remove patrons from the bar or “Sneakers” speed up your server’s speed. Completing areas in the Story mode unlocks a few mini games. There is an optional virtual d-pad control, but the default touch control method worked out better for me and will likely be more intuitive for most gamers. Players can also select an optional female bartender, Nikki, in Tapper World Tour. Further into the game, different drinks may be requested by patrons as indicated by a drink icon over their head. The player must add another move to the mix, swapping out the drink by tapping an icon on the lower right of the screen. Tapper World Tour eases players into the gameplay, but steadily ups the challenge. Once you have four or five bars with different bar serving orientation and patrons requesting different drinks, things get really crazy.
As the name suggests, players will be taken on a worldwide tour of different regions. Regions include North America, Mexico and South America. In the Endless Shift mode, players can try to see how long they can last serving endless patrons and earn their spot on the Leaderboard ranking (Game Center supported). A Trophy Room keeps track of the Drink Collection, Postcard Collection, Upgrades & Power-ups and Achievements. The animation and graphics are crisp and there are many different character styles. Locations and world maps are nicely colored as well. The music has some of the familiar Tapper melodies. It’s about time Tapper received a worthy remastering and re-introduction. Tapper World Tour serves up the fun brilliantly.
Any arcade gamer with a iPhone, iPod touch or iPad will love this treat from a couple of the staples of the ’80s arcade gaming area. I’m always skeptical on retro remakes, but Square One Studios has done it right. Tapper World Tour is a truly enjoyable game and offers a fast-paced, addictive challenge. My throbbing index finger can attest to it! The touch controls work great and the replay value is there. Highly recommended, for retro gaming enthusiasts and any player who has yet to get their hands wet with Tapper fun.
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Tapper World Tour gameplay trailer:
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