Space Holiday Review

Space Holiday is very casual friendly. The concept is simple: connect the stars to each other while avoiding the grumpy looking asteroids. Of course, the execution is a little more complicated than that otherwise we'd have a pretty dull game on our hands.

Across the 80 levels of Space Holiday, new elements are introduced. In the early stages, players are gently introduced to what's expected of them. The asteroids are ever keen to get in the way with the rocks increasingly mobile as the game progresses. Timing becomes an important part of the game as well as logically determining what's required. Fortunately, some help is provided in the form of special types of star. Initially, ninja stars are provided. These can be used to destroy an asteroid, but only once and only if the shot is lined up accurately. It can make all the difference to solving a puzzle. Moving stars also appear, further adding to the timing element as well as providing a new challenge. Later, plunger stars are more pro-active, pulling other stars away from asteroids.

In each case, it's both immensely helpful and mildly confusing. There's no hints system, although it is possible to buy a Space-Ray to speed up progress. At times, hints would be very welcome as the openness of puzzles can cause many head scratching moments. As is often the way, I found a brief break before returning with a refreshed mind made all the difference. In later stages, particularly, players will find themselves chipping away at stages rather than rushing through it.

It's that casual experience that ensures Space Holiday should stick around on people's iOS devices for a while to come. A steady trickle of different star types keep this game away from being too predictable but its familiar mechanics confirm its place as an easy to dive into title.