Biphase (Mobile, PC)
Play as a character made up of shapes in this 2-D jumping puzzle game for mobile devices and PC (reviewed on iPad here). Each time you jump in this game, the background colors change from red to black, and you can land on the opposite color. Use this simple skill to reach the exit in every level. Supposedly this game was made to promote awareness of bipolar disorder, but had I not read the press release beforehand, I would never have known. I think there is a story about it in text before every level, but it flashes by so fast I couldn’t read it. Proceeds from the game go to helping out the cause, but since the game is free with no ads, I don’t know how that works either.
Use the left area of the touch screen to move left and right, and tap on the right side to jump. Each time you jump, the background shapes will change from red to black and vice versa, so you must plan your moves accordingly to make it to the exit. Unfortunately, the controls are incredibly gummy and unresponsive, making it nearly unplayable for me. I know touch screen controls are never ideal, but I’ve played games that use them WAY better than this. Also the game doesn’t give very good instructions. There are these circles you’re supposed to tap when near them to activate other parts of the level. But I had no idea you could do that until I watched a video of someone playing the game. Plus I don’t think they conveyed bipolar awareness very well in the game either, which I think was the whole point of this.
Kid Factor:
Biphase is fairly non-violent. You can fall off the edge of the level and have to start over, but that’s about it. The game is free with no ads, so that’s good, but younger gamers may still get frustrated with the awful touch screen controls.
Discussion Area - Leave a Comment