One of my all-time favorite indie games has finally appeared on a platform which allows (technically requires) me to pay money for it. When I first met the guys at Vlambeer after playing Super Crate Box, I actually chewed them out for giving the game away because it’s simply too good to be free. But now you can check out the swanky new iOS version now available in the App Store, where it will still only run you a measly buck.
If you haven’t played Super Crate Box, it’s an arcade platform game where your goal is to collect crates while managing an unending flow of enemies which travel from the top to the bottom of the stage. Every crate you collect adds to your score as well as swapping your gun out for another weapon at random. New weapons and characters unlock in a steady drip as you play while new stages and higher difficulty modes open when you achieve high scores. I would estimate that it’s slightly less addictive than crack cocaine.
This new release is nearly a perfect port. Vlambeer teamed up with Halfbot to craft the iOS version, which is almost identical to the original but with a touch control overlay that manages to be incredibly natural and responsive. When I first started playing, I had some concerns about how well I’d be able to adapt but after two rounds I was unlocking stages and weapons quickly and having a great time.
The worst thing about Super Crate Box on iOS? The fact that it’s portable. Because a round can be over in about ten seconds yet offers a challenge which feels within reach, it’s really easy to fall into a rhythm of declaring, “just one more game,” until hours have passed. On the PC, eventually, I was going to have to go to the bathroom. Now Super Crate Box goes with me. You lot may never see me again.
