Glyder

Glu’s Glyder has been the target of some major expectations from the mobile video game sector since its first mention. Glu has been one of the leader mobile games publisher since 2005. Distributing some of the most widely known games on the mobile platform, they’ve given us yet another fantastic representation of what the iPhone is truly capable of.

Glyder is a game for the iPhone and iPod Touch in which you take flight in an attempt to collect enough crystals to get you home. Eryn, your character, has found herself in an dimensional rift with her trusty flying apparatus. Upon entering the game, you’re placed upon a platform atop a beautiful landscape and ready to take flight. Just tap the screen and off you go!

Eryn is controlled by tilting your device whichever way you’d like her to fly. Pointing it downward causes her to gain speed by diving, while pulling up spreads her wings far apart, gaining altitude for the exchange of speed. Though a bit awkward at first, the controls are simple to master and never hinder gameplay. These mechanics are coupled with various gusts of wind called “thermals,” which give you a rush of air beneath your wings and catapult you into the alluring sky.

Glyder is a fantastic looking game, no doubt. Each landscape is finely detailed with an ambrosial array of color and an abundance of landmarks. From a tribal village, to a spewing volcano, to a medieval castle, Eryn’s surroundings are nothing short of unique. The soundtrack to your adventure is another point of mention that I couldn’t help but fall in love with. The soft, yet melodic, is the perfect backdrop to setting sail amongst the winds. No matter which vantage point your enjoying the scenery from, the experience falls into place better than the final piece of a puzzle.

With an achievement system, over 2000 crystals, time trials, and 6 landscapes, you’re never out of things to do. For those obsessive compulsives out there, Glyder even has a statistics system displaying your current altitude, best speed, longest flight, farthest flight, etc. One of the best features in Glu’s new gem is the auto-save. You’re free to jump out of the game at any time and pick up right where you left of. We’re big fans of this for obvious reasons.

With a current price of $1.99, there’s absolutely no reason not to buy Glyder. It offers some of the most simplistic, though expansive, gameplay we’ve seen on the iPhone to date. You’re free to cruise with leisure or tear through the skies with fury. No matter how you play Glyder, you’ll enjoy it all the same.