Costume Quest Review – Childish, but addictive

Our rating:

By: Double Fine Productions, Inc.

Version #: 1.0.3

Date Released: 2013-10-15

Developer: Double Fine Productions, Inc. Web Site

Price: $4.99

User Rating:

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I have heard about Costume Quest on other consoles and was really excited to find it in AppStore’s ‘Best new games’ section. The screenshots were similar to Jacob Jones and the Big Foot mystery and I quickly bought what seemed to be a ‘Point and Click‘ game. After about 30 minutes of questing, I realized that it is just a variant of JRPG, but thankfully, a good one!

The story
Its Halloween and Wren & Reynold are scanning the neighborhood to collect cookies. They come to know that evil BigBones is stealing all the candy from the state and Reynold gets kidnapped in the process. Now Wren teams up with his friend Evrette to get back her brother and we follow them through this adventurous quest. To be honest, all these sounds to be a great recipe for a ‘Point and Click’ game like Fetch, but that is not where Costume Quest is headed.

The gameplay

This game sports a two tier gameplay – one is the fighting part while other is about completing tiny quests.

Along the path to destiny, you frequently come across Grubbins (the evil minions) and you have to take them down in a JRPG fashion. The Halloween costume turns you into super-heroes and you indulge in turn-based battles with them. Press the correct buttons, time your attacks, make quick swipes, use assists etc to unleash fury. Each costume has unique powers and hence help tackle different enemies, just like the Pokemon console games!

The second part involves a more peaceful style where you can help other friends, play mini games, complete tiny quests, collect rare cards, explore hidden areas, trick-or-treat homes, collect candies and more. And in return, you get new costumes, better power-ups, unique battle stamps and tips when you’re stuck.

Though things sound a little complicated, everything goes in flow of the storyline and generally you wouldn’t find yourself staring bored. After an hour or so, you are in fact addicted which I think is owing to the interesting & mystery-evoking storyline rather than the gameplay.

The execution

The graphics are pleasing with a cartoony feel to it and sound effects are good too. But, all the conversations are in speech bubbles without any audio; This is a real bummer after paying five hundred cents and takes half the fun away. Another thing I miss is the Maps button. The world is so big that you often find yourself lost or confused. Atleast, an option to zoom-out would be a huge relief.
The controls on the other hand, are great on the iPhone but a little uncomfortable on the iPad’s larger screen. Hoping for an alternate stick control system, soon.

The verdict
The first thing you need to realise is that this is an adventurous game with very little puzzling element. Your brains won’t be finding clues or cracking codes here, but just follow the storyline. You level up, defeat enemies, complete some tasks and progress. Though it’s fun, I’m sorry, but seems too much like a game for kids.
I would recommend this only if you have children at home and I’m sure they’ll love it. It will make sense for huge RPG fans, too.
But for others who seek adventurous puzzles, I recommend LIMBO or the Runaway series. Also check out the Best RPGs on iOS and Best ‘Point and Click’ games on iOS

Tips

• Donot roam around randomly. Always visit houses and shops in an order, to not miss any.
• There will be areas where you can bypass Grubbins and avoid fights. Try not to do that. Fight more to heap up xp and level up early.
• Buy battle stamps from the girl in the park. They are really useful.
• Never underestimate the power of defense. Make sure one of the kids is wearing a costume with heal, shield or strengthen powers.
• Similarly when there are multiple enemies, always take out the assistant healers first.