Glow Bugs Review

Lately, it feels like Endless Runner games are more popular than Physics Puzzlers, which is saying quite a lot given their past prominence. Fortunately, in the case of Glow Bugs, it feels like its own game rather than a clone of another.

Players take the role of a ladybug, gliding through the night as she seeks out tasty aphids. It's almost as genteel as it sounds, if it wasn't for the many obstacles in her way. Other bugs and insects are out to attack her as well as logs and water that can damage the ladybug, making it a treacherous journey.

Controls are tilt based with a tap on the screen causing the pretty ladybug to fly briefly. It's all simple enough to get to grips with and fun. The kind of game that would easily lend itself to young or old.

Progress is partially down to progressing to the next wave and gaining more points, but also through completing certain challenges. These challenges are simple enough, such as defeat a certain number of bugs or collect a set number of aphids, but they provide some much needed structure for the game. Another satisfying feature comes from the ability to use aphids to buy power-ups and bonuses. Players can choose to use real money to buy extra aphids but it's not really esssential to success, and it's much more satisfying to work at it. The only time frustration emerges is the lack of checkpointing. Players can buy an extra continue with aphids/real money but even if you reach the heady heights of Wave 10 and above, there's no automatic checkpoint system. Something that would have benefited many casual gamers.

Glow Bugs isn't revolutionary by any means but it does offer plenty of fun. Much like Tiny Wings, its constant supply of rewards and sense of achievement will keep players coming back for more.