Wolves on the Westwind

The app's detailed story could almost be considered a graphic novel -- although the lack of bells and whistles may prevent some players from becoming engrossed in the plot. In Wolves on the Westwind, players click to select actions and comments that are listed on the right side of the screen periodically -- such as an option to drive opponents away during battle or engage with them. Players' choices help shape the story's direction. Aside from that, though, there aren't many interactive elements. Players choose a male or female main character at the beginning. For instance, in the male character's tale, he embarks on a quest with two siblings after marauders have shown up near their village to cause trouble.

Some elements have been included that add ambiance, but visual action is relatively nonexistent. During battles, as players click through lines of text about characters swinging swords and new opponents advancing, the figures, even when attacking, are often pictured standing in roughly the same position from frame to frame. When a new move is introduced, such as the Forceful Blow, which allows you to strike hard and force opponents back, players will see a brief explanation at the top of the screen, and they can select it as their next action from the list at right. While the violence that's shown is very minimal -- primarily menacing looks, and someone holding a raised hatchet, for example -- the wording may be more graphic than some parents are comfortable with, and the plot doesn't shy away from killing or death. The writing is admirably descriptive, at times emotive. But players will need to be prepared to do a lot of reading -- which involves a very tiny font that can be challenging to see at times -- because that's often the main, if not only, activity found in Wolves on the Westwind.