Foodies

age 8+

Puzzle app has unique controls and a gluttonous backstory.

Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad
Price: $.99
Category: Puzzle Games

What parents need to know

Ease of play

Those with the skill and dexterity to master the unique controls will be able to clear each stage more quickly and efficiently, but even those without a lot of gaming experience will be able to eventually complete each stage with ease. The controls require players to use two hands to bounce a creature through each stage. The goal in each level is to knock the creature into the doughnuts, ice cream cones, and other sweets that are randomly placed in between platforms and barriers. By using both thumbs on the screen at the same time, players create an invisible paddle, and the angle of the paddle determines how the creature bounces around.

Violence & scariness

Not applicable

Sexy stuff

There is no sexual content, but the game is centered around a love story -- Snacky Sam is trying to fatten up to impress Miss Pam, who says things like "I like chubbier boys. You're still too slim."

Language

Not applicable

Consumerism

Not applicable

Drinking, drugs, & smoking

Not applicable

Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that Foodies is a puzzle game in which your character, a colorful creature named Snacky Sam, is trying to gain weight to win the love of Miss Pam. To do this, players bounce Sam around a board to collect pieces of food (mainly junk food), like ice cream cones, doughnuts, and lollipops. Unlike many casual puzzle games, this one requires a bit more focus since players will need to use both hands at the same time. Users can share high scores via the Game Center social network, but participation is optional.

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What's it about?

Although Foodies is primarily a casual puzzle game, there is actually a storyline that unfolds as players progress through the various levels. The story revolves around the central character Snacky Sam, who is in love with a girl named Miss Pam. The only problem is that Miss Pam only likes boys who are on the chunky side, so Snacky Sam is on a quest to gain weight as quickly as possible in order to impress Miss Pam. Players bounce Snacky Sam around the screen until he has gobbled up all the junk food in sight, and then continue with the same goal through all the various levels.

Is it any good?

QUALITY

The most noteworthy feature in FOODIES is its novel gameplay controls. The two-handed control system makes Foodies a unique and accessible experience, and one that even seasoned puzzle game players will find new and intriguing.

Even though the core gameplay requires users to find the best angle to cause the creature to bounce around, players don't necessarily need any knowledge of geometry. It is a seamless, easy, and accessible concept that is enhanced by the unique controls and the colorful food-themed aesthetic. And there are more than enough levels to keep players occupied for many car trips, waiting room visits, and homework breaks to come.

App details

Devices:	iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad
Price:	$.99
Release date:	May 17, 2011
Category:	Puzzle Games
Size:	19.30 MB
Publisher:	Nano Titans
Version:	1.0.1
Minimum software requirements:	iOS 3.0 or later

This review of Foodies was written by

Mark Raby

Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are conducted by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.

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