A blast from the past that the kids should enjoy.
Adults of a certain age should remember a UK morning TV show called Live and Kicking. It was the launch pad for many a career including the right honourable Jamie Theakston, Zoe Ball and Mr Blobby(!). Anyway, there was a very good segment where callers could play a game using their touch tone keypad on their phone live on air. The game was Hugo. Well, Hugo is back. This time he is coming to your iOS device. Hugo Retro Mania sees you guiding the titular hero through a mine. He is trying to collect treasure that has been left all over the ground. However, the ground is also littered with dynamite, rocks and wholes. Not only that, the ceiling of the mine has deadly spiders, ready to carry him away should he get too close.
My five year old thought it was great fun
The game is played from a third person perspective, with Hugo running into the screen and you just behind him. The controls are simple. Left, right and jump. With these you can dodge and jump over the various obstacles as well as try to collect the jewels. Touch anything you are not meant to and you lose one of your three lives. Jump in the wrong place and you will find yourself attacked by a spider. 
There are two variations of game to play: Mine Run and Mine maze. Mine Run is a simple endless high score chasing affair. Mine Maze is a touch more involved. At certain points in the run you will be met by a wall with a choice of turning left or right. Your goal is to get to the end of the maze and rescue your friend from an evil witch. Whilst the mazes are fairly simple (and you can see a map at any time) it does add a nice variation. The graphics are bold and cartoony, with some nice little “death” animations I especially like it when Hugo pops out of the corner and taps on the screen. Sounds are again nice and do not grate on you. This is a very simple game, it is also a little unforgiving. However, kids should really enjoy it. My five year old thought it was great fun – if a little frustrating. The issue is that it costs the same as games like Angry Birds. I would like to see it come out in some kind of freemium (or free) format. I think I would forgive it a few adverts if it were free. It is not going to change your gaming world, but it is a fun distraction and a nice trip down memory lane. Also, it is simple enough for children to have a go at. Get it Now at the App Store
The Bad: No depth. Better games out there for the price.
Bronze Y Award