Tiny Wings

While the opportunity for me to sit down and play a full game is seldom present, I do get the chance to play games on my iphone pretty frequently.

One of my favorite games is Tiny Wings. While this game is bright, cheery, and inviting, it has a more sadistic side.

Up, up, and awa----down.

For those who haven't played, this game has a simple concept. You are a bird who doesn't have wings that can carry you. By using the hills, you can temporarily fly and earn points. You must be careful, though, because for some reason you must stop flying at night.

Alright. I'll give them some credit for the cute graphics. It looks fun and upbeat, however, this is a romanticized version of a more grimm fairy tale. (Yeah the kind where Cinderella's step sisters get their eyes pecked out)

First, the concept of "tiny wings" on a bird is depressing. Not once do they mention why the wings are too small to carry him/her. If it were still a small chick, I'd be totally okay with that. However, it seems like it's presented that it is a full-grown bird. This provides no hope. It seems as though you're designed to fail from the start.

Next, I have a beef with the fact how the game session ends. You never "beat" a level, but it simply ends when the night comes. It seems a bit dangerous that you stop flying/falling mid-air. I also have a problem with the way the game presents the onset of the night. Observe:

Keyword- Hunting. HUNTING! Seriously?

Okay. Last but not least, I have an issue with the level-up perks. I thought maybe you'll change colors or, hey, even get new wings. Wouldn't it be great if you eventually worked up to normal sized wings and you could beat the game? But no. You get a nest. NEST. You apparently just fall asleep in the middle of a hillside, but you get a new colored nest, so that must make everything okay.

Great. While the other birds mock you, they can at least admire your fine decor.

On a related/unrelated note, there is an andriod version of the game that anti-apple people could access. (Thanks to my boyfriend for showing it to me) It's called "Dragon, Fly!" I believe there is a free version as well as a paid one. I find the graphics a little less girly and cute, but the concept seems to make a bit more sense.

You're a cute baby dragon running away from home. Since you're a baby, though, your wings are too feeble to carry you. When times runs out, though, the night doesn't "hunt" you, but rather your mother comes to bring you back home. Plus, you change colors when you level up, how cool?! Much less depressing than the outlook of never being able to fly and living alone forever. A good alternative for those with android/those who don't mind sacrificing the girly aspect for a more concrete storyline.

Until next time.

~xoxoxoBritt<3