Recently, I was introduced to what I think may be my favorite iPhone game to date: Glyder 2. Before I get into the review, I need to mention that I expect iPhone games to be easy to play, have mechanics that are quick to learn, and have addictive gameplay to quell the raging hunger for electronic stimulation for which my brain begs. I don’t expect iPhone games to have too much depth, nor do I anticipate them to keep my attention for longer than a couple of weeks. However, from the moment I started Glyder 2, my imagination was flying wild.
You begin play as Eryn, a tinkerer of sorts, who has been accidently transported through a dimensional portal. It is your position to help Eryn discover the secrets of this foreign land and search for a way home. An incredible journey filled with flight and discovery opens as you glide Eryn through the world, up thermals, through cold caverns, over vast oceans and even over lava rivers. As you fly Eryn through the world, you collect different colored gems, which help you unlock the secrets of the world.
One of the interesting elements of Glyder 2 was the item-unlocking ability. As you play the game, Eryn finds items like new clothes and wing types. Each of the variant wings has different properties, while the clothes give Eryn a style to match your own. Personally, I didn’t expect an iPhone game to have that level of customization, and it was a refreshing addition that I wish more games would incorporate. The simple swaps between clothes and wing styles not only served as a mechanic in the gameplay, but it gave my eyes something new to look at.
Another great facet of Glyder 2 was the achievements. I thoroughly enjoyed trying to obtain the achievements. For being an iPhone game, there is a ton of unlockables. Aside from the wings and clothes I mentioned earlier, there are also minigames and worlds.
However, if you aren’t into power gaming, Glyder 2 will still satisfy as it is a peaceful game that allows you to explore and take in the beauty of the world in which you are flying. I found myself at one point gliding from area to area without pursuing any of the goals; I flew just for the sake of flying. I was amazed by the music and how serene and peaceful it felt to be gliding over and around the new areas I was discovering. Of course, I eventually collected the orbs and began unlocking the cool features. But something has to be said about a game experience that offers the kind of peace you may find hang-gliding over the majestic and epic landscapes of the Rocky Mountains.
Ultimately, with beautifully rendered graphics and great music, fine-tuned game mechanics and bunches of unlockable content, Glyder 2 is an amazing game and certainly worth more than Glu’s asking price. I suggest picking this one up. And if you are like me, pick up the original while you are at it. Both games make great additions to your iPhone/iPod Touch collection!
