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Category: Games
Seller: FDG Mobile Games GbR
Requirements: iPhone 2.2 software update
Compatibility: iPhone and iPod touch
Price: $0.99

You may recall some time ago that I reviewed Bobby Carrot Forever for the iPhone/iPod touch. Now, the developers have decided to bring back the original versions of the game to Apple’s ever popular devices. The games I’m talking about are the classic Java titles that appeared on mobile phones back in 2004. The classic series (Bobby Carrot CLSX) will have four titles, each a little different and offering different levels to conquer. In this column, I’ll review each entry, rounding them up as they’re released (once a month). If you were a fan of the original Bobby Carrot, or are a newcomer to the Bobby Carrot Forever title, check back with us each month.

Bobby Carrot 1

When I reviewed Bobby Carrot Forever, I gave it 4 out of 5. That gives this classic series a high standard to follow, and I’m glad to say, it does. It follows the same lines, but with more of an arcade feel. The screen shows typical arcade controls, with two buttons and a joystick. The game’s screen is encased in the plastic frame, although not enough to get in the way of your gameplay. Some people have expressed concern over the controls, but I personally find them intuitive to use. It’s easy to slide from one direction to another, although I can see the margin for error there, especially when the wrong direction could mean failure.

The graphics themselves are nice. Don’t expect to be catching carrots in high definition, but don’t think they’re bad either. They’re what we’ve come to expect from the iPhone/iPod touch—nothing special, but still fine to look at.

One last thing I will mention is the game’s shelf-life. Each level is pretty similar, only the difficulty changes. While that’s fine for a game, a series of four versions may struggle to bring in new players when they’ve tried a previous version. It’s unlikely you’ll buy each title from the series, unless you’re a Bobby Carrot fanatic. Although I look forward to seeing what the developers, FDG, come up with in the upcoming titles.

The first title, Bobby Carrot 1 CLSX is a fun game to play. It’s great to pick up, play a few levels, then put down again. There’s nothing special, yet there’s nothing wrong either. I certainly enjoy playing it, and I’m sure you will too.

Bobby Carrot 2

The second installment of Bobby Carrot is here, and the verdict is out: it’s pretty similar to the first one. Not a lot has changed between the two, except this one’s theme is “Winterland.” This make’s it slightly strange, as the two levels still involve fetching either carrots or Easter eggs. There are also a few new puzzle elements in some levels, but nothing to shout about.

The graphics and control method are exactly the same throughout the series, so there’s no change there. If you’re an avid fan of Bobby Carrot, or Winter-related games, this is the title for you. If you had purchased the original Bobby Carrot, I can’t see any reason you’d want to purchase this too. Unless, of course, you enjoyed the original so much that you completed it and you’re desperate for more carrot-finding fun. Then, you’d also love the second title.

I wish there was more variation between the games. There’s a design overhaul for the new themes, but otherwise things have stayed the same.

• Buy Bobby Carrot 1
• Buy Bobby Carrot 2
• See Bobby Carrot Forever review