Developer Denki caps an exciting spell for the Dundee mobile app scene with the release of its long-awaited Quarrel word game.
It’s fair to say that Denki has not had its troubles to seek in recent times.
Forced into a painful restructuring in April 2010 (link), there’s a palpable sense of relief and excitement among the remaining team as Quarrel finally hits the App Store.
And it is further welcome evidence of Dundee’s advances in the mobile market, with city mates Waracle having released their Scottish National Team app for the SFA earlier in the week (link).
Heavily influenced by classic games such as Scrabble and Risk, Quarrel delivers some genuinely addictive mobile action.
At its core is a simple word game, and one where those hours you thought you had wasted watching Countdown on Channel 4 really start to pay off.
Arranging words from a jumbled mass of letters never really gets old, but this is much more than a straightforward vocabulary test. Quarrel overlays its conundrums with a land-grab tactical element that adds real pace to proceedings.
Facing off against up to three computer opponents for control of each ‘island’, the player has to plot his or her way to domination. Moving your troops around the board, mixing attack and defence, you’ll soon find yourself immersed.
It’s all helped along by brilliant graphics and sound. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself placing and removing letters just to hear the Scottish troops berating or praising you with a hilarious mix of ‘Aw right’, ‘Aw naw’ and ‘Cheers’ comments.
The game allows you to pause and resume at any point, making it perfect for prolonged play or when you find yourself with a few spare minutes to fill.
Very surprising, though, is the absence of online play. Once you’ve taken on the best the game’s characters can offer, you’ll be crying out to share your wordsmithery with the world.
An online multiplayer update must surely be just around the corner.
But, even as it is, it’s bright, challenging, full of fun and as colourful as a Richard Whiteley tie. He would have loved it.Quarrel DX (currently £2.99) is available now from the App Store. You can download the free trial version here.