B1nary Game Review: Addicting Puzzle Game

Everyone loves simple yet very addicting puzzle games, and when they involve numbers, it gets even better.  This is exactly the kind of game that B1nary is trying to become for the iPhone and we have decided to review it in order to see if it stands up to its promises.

The game launches in and is played in widescreen format, as this makes sense for its gameplay.  The menu gives you seven different options, three of which are gameplay modes.  The gameplay modes include Challenge Mode, Speed Mode, and Practice Mode.  These will all be looked at in depth throughout the review.  The instructions page is very nice, as the game can be a tad bit confusing when you first start it.  It only takes a matter of seconds to get used to, but we would suggest starting with the instructions menu.  It thoroughly explains each game mode and menu item available.

So, the point of the game is to match the “Goal” number by flipping switches on and off of different binary numbers.  A switch “On” will mean that this number is going to be added to “Your” number, while turning the switch back off will subtract it.  You start at 0.  Say the number you are given is 228.  You will want to flip on switches 128, 64, 32, and 4 as quickly as possible, matching the 228 goal.  You will then be given a new number.

In practice mode you are able do just that, practice.  There is no time running or goal to be set.  This is where you can get good and fast at the game by just messing around.  You might even be able to memorize some combinations if you practice enough.  The game reacts very fast and there is no lag, which is essential in a game of this nature.  The buttons are big and spaced out enough so that you don’t accidentally click on the wrong switch.

The real fun starts in Challenge mode.  Here you are put on a timer and are given a Level and Round rating.  The goal is to advance to the next round before the timer runs out.  Each level has 5 rounds within it, and you are given points for each number you complete.  Eventually, after you run out of time, all of your points are totaled and this is your score. You can see these features in the image below.

Next, and by far the most addicting, is speed mode.  Speed mode acts a lot like the rest of the game, but you are given 15 numbers, and the goal is complete each number as fast as possible.  The whole session is on a timer and the goal is to beat previous best times.

The coolest feature of B1nary Game is the online score tracking.  In the game, you can go to your own personal high scores and there is an option to upload them to the web.  Then, you can go over to B1nary Game’s website and see where you rank with everyone else playing the game.  They feature rankings for the Top 15 in both challenge mode and speed mode for the day and the all time leaders in each.  This feature works great and I haven’t had any trouble with it.

In conclusion, B1nary Game truly is a very fun and addicting puzzle game, just like they promised.  Although the idea is very simple, it truly is original and innovative.  It pulls you in and makes you want to keep improving on your best times, as you really do get better at it every time you play.  It seems to be the type of game that a lot of people are looking for in the cluster that has become of the App Store.  If you love numbers and puzzles, this game will be a blast for you.

The game never crashed or ran slowly through hours of gameplay.  The only complaints I have are that there is no demo and that it can feel a tad repetitive after awhile.  However, trying to beat the top scores takes away from this and I’m sure there are some good updates coming.

The creator of the game has told us that an update should be released to Apple has early as Monday.

You can find B1nary Game in the iPhone App Store for 1.99

share permalink ping Leave a Comment