Epic Adventures La Jangada HD for iPad Review

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Type of app: ‘Hidden Object Puzzle Adventure’ (HOPA) game
Platform/where to buy: iPad (iPhone version also available); available in the App Store
Developer: Urchin Games / G5 Entertainment
Description:

Embark on an unforgettable journey in this epic adventure based on a Jules Verne’s novel!
After Minha agrees to marry Dr. Manuel Valdez, they decide to hold the wedding in Brazil. However her father’s dark past threatens her happy marriage. Long ago, he was accused of murder and now he is being blackmailed for Minha’s hand in marriage. Search for answers and clues in 43 thrilling locations, solve a variety of intriguing puzzles, brave the dangers of the Amazon jungles and help Minha find evidence to save her father in Epic Adventures: La Jangada!

? 43 Magnificent locations in 8 immersive chapters
? 12 Fancy mini-games
? 2 Game play modes
? Intriguing storyline
? New iPad Retina Display Support
? Game Center Support

Major features: La Jangada is based on the Jules Verne book of the same title (also known as ‘Eight Hundred Leagues on the Amazon’) that looks at a mystery that unfolds as a daughter’s wedding plans force her father to return to Brazil and face charges of a murder he claims he didn’t commit under a name none of his family knows! The book is not one of Verne’s best, but it is a decent enough plot.

In terms of the game it is a heavily story-driven HOPA (Hidden Object Puzzle Adventure), with puzzles and hidden object screens interspersed with ‘deliberately paced’ storytelling. The mechanics are solid, the graphics are well done for the Retina screen, puzzles are interesting … and yet I found myself bored by the game. It took me a bit to figure it why – while I called the pacing ‘deliberate’, a better word would be ‘slow’. There is TONS of storytelling, so much so that the hidden object screens are at first a relief, but then slowly become a pain. So many items are small and similarly colored to the overly brown backdrops that eventually you just tap around while waiting for the hint button to recharge.

Ease of use/Overall performance: In every way this is a solid release – in terms of mechanics, technical aspects, sound, story, and so on. If you are at all familiar with the genre you will jump right into this without an issue.

Would use again/recommend?: I will never play this again, and recommending depends on the person – if you are into heavily story-based games you will enjoy this, but if fast paced action is your thing you will be bored. And while I enjoyed the story, the overall experience was definitely not one of my favorites.

Suggested changes/wish list for updates: The pacing is too slow, and the color palette too bland.

Price: $6.99 (Free download with in-app purchase)

Here is the trailer:

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About the Author

Michael Anderson
I have loved technology for as long as I can remember - and have been a computer gamer since the PDP-10! Mobile Technology has played a major role in my life - I have used an electronic companion since the HP95LX more than 20 years ago, and have been a 'Laptop First' person since my Compaq LTE Lite 3/20 and Powerbook 170 back in 1991! As an avid gamer and gadget-junkie I was constantly asked for my opinions on new technology, which led to writing small blurbs ... and eventually becoming a reviewer many years ago. My family is my biggest priority in life, and they alternate between loving and tolerating my gaming and gadget hobbies ... but ultimately benefits from the addition of technology to our lives!