Bucketz Review
+ Universal App
$0.99 Buy now!

Bucketz Review

Our Review by Angela LaFollette on August 1st, 2012
Rating: starstarstarstarhalfstar :: BUCKETS OF FUN
Share This:

Keep those Bucketz properly balanced in this goofy physics-based game.

Developer: Picnic Hippo Studios
Price: $1.99
Version: 1.1
App Reviewed on: iPad 2

Graphics / Sound Rating: starstarstarstarhalfstar
User Interface Rating: starstarstarstarhalfstar
Gameplay Rating: starstarstarstarstar
Re-use / Replay Value Rating: starstarstarstarhalfstar

Overall Rating: starstarstarstarhalfstar

Bucketz is a physics based game that’s all about keeping balance while testing gamers’ reflexes. In this humorous game, players help “The Nine” (nine different buckets with their own personality) to restore balance and defeat the Dark Bucket and his minions. It has a good mixture of many different elements that make it hard to put down for just one second.

Each level opens with optional humorous dialogue between the buckets who range in size amd personality. Players try to keep their balance by stashing hundreds of items into the Bucketz. Along with dragging and dropping the items (which vary in size and weight) into the Bucketz to keep them balanced, there are many things thrown into the mix that make the levels challenging.

For instance, some buckets are small and larger items will smash them. Also, sometimes the Bucketz are not always sitting on a balanced axis. The game also comes packed with minions that get in the way, power-ups that restore balance, obstacles like smoke bombs that disrupt the game play and boss stages that are challenging and frustrating to beat. Regardless of the level, don’t let those Bucketz tumble off the screen or it’s game over. However, there are checkpoints that not only save your progress but restore the balance just when you think you’ll have to restart the level.

At the end of each level is a bonus round where players must tap on the flying coins to earn money. This money can be spent in the store to purchase upgrades and power-ups. Players who are impatient can purchase more bucks as IAPs, but they won’t need them to complete the game.

The goal is to try and earn three stars on each level (along with a hidden fourth star). Players can go back and try to earn more stars later which gives this game a high replay value. There are 222 stars in total to earn that are spread through five stages and 74 levels, with more promised in the future. Bucketz comes complete with Game Center achievements and a leaderboard for those who love competing against friends and strangers.

I failed to find anything majorly wrong with this game other than it isn't compatible on older 3rd generation devices. If I had to pick one area of improvement, it would be that there is a lot of talking. While it’s possible to skip through the witty banter between the Bucketz, the movie-like voice over can get a little annoying after awhile.

The gameplay is not only intuitive and challenging but it’s also engaging. The graphics are crisp, the animations are beautifully done and I can’t stop humming that catchy tune in the game. Go grab a copy of Bucketz to test your reflexes and see if you can become a master of balance. I can't think of a better way to spend two dollars.

iPhone Screenshots

(click to enlarge)

Bucketz screenshot 1 Bucketz screenshot 2 Bucketz screenshot 3 Bucketz screenshot 4 Bucketz screenshot 5

iPad Screenshots

(click to enlarge)

Bucketz screenshot 6 Bucketz screenshot 7 Bucketz screenshot 8 Bucketz screenshot 9 Bucketz screenshot 10
Share This: