Repository
https://github.com/SecUSo/privacy-friendly-2048
Introduction
Hello! Welcome to another review of a game app.
In my last two reviews, I reviewed a Pin Mnemonic and a Checkers game app. Despite the fact that their repositories haven't been updated in a long time, they are fascinating projects. They were both from the SECUSO group, and same as the game app I'm about to discuss. However, this should be the 9th and last project of the SECUSO group which I will review.
I'll be reviewing a game app named 2048.
This game app isn't just any game app; it's a type of game I have barely seen. The first time I saw a game like this was when I downloaded 2050. Basically, I found this app on the SECUSO group's repo. There are a lot of cool stuff over there.
What is 2048?
Yeah, I also got confused at first (due to the game's name), but not anymore. 2048 is a free and open-source puzzle game which is played by colliding numbers which are equivalent together.
The game is believed to be won when the player reaches the number '2048' and even higher. You're free to say that this is the reason behind the '2048' name (I also thought as much).
The project has had 4 releases and the latest version of the app is version 2.1 which was launched about 3 months ago. It is available on Google Play and F-Droid. There's also a link for the direct download.
Features of 2048
- On launching the game, I was shown a tutorial. The tutorial didn't just tell me what the game is; but also elaborated on how to play the game. 🤔 I can't remember any game app with such a unique replay-able intro/tutorial.
- Main: The 'Main' feature is where the game is played. With this feature, users are able to select the type of game board they want. It could be a 4×4, 5×5, 6×6, or a 7×7 board. Beneath the boards to be selected are the 'START GAME' and 'CONTINUE GAME' options.
When the game is started, the selected board is shown with two blocks on it. As the player swipes his/her finger across the board, more blocks are seen. All the player has to do is to make two blocks with the same number meet themselves. Once these two blocks meet, they add up to form one block which will have the sum of their numbers.
Example: Block (2) hits Block (2) = Block (4).
Just in case the player wishes to undo his last step, he/she can do that by clicking on the icon below 'points'. There's also an icon beside the undo icon, this icon is used for a fresh start of the game. A click on this button empties the board and restarts the whole game.
When I got to the 'Main' feature (by default), I selected the 4×4 board and started a new game. I started playing the game by swiping my finger across the game board. When I made an indecisive swipe, I used the undo icon to undo my last step. I also used the restart icon, but it was occasionally.
- Statistics: This feature is like a high score feature (though it is more than that). This feature is a crazy one. 😅 The statistics for each and every board size are shown in this feature. This proves that the app is way more sensitive than I thought.
The statistic information shown on the 'Statistics' feature includes; The highest number, the highest score, the total game duration, the total number of times the undo button was used, the total amount of swipes, the average time taken to perform a swipe, and finally, the number of swipes depending on the direction.
Woah! that is mind-blowing. I hope you've seen why I said that the 'Statistics' feature is more than a high score feature? After playing the game, I clicked on the 'Statistics' feature and behold, the huge and interesting information. Amongst all this information, I don't joke with my 'highest number' and 'time per swipe'.
Comparing 2048 with 2050 (a similar open-source project)
Long before I got to know of 2048, I've always known 2050. The 2050 game app is also a very nice project, and I'll love to compare it with the 2048 game app.
- The main reason why I prefer the 2048 game app to 2050 is that the 2048 game app looks way more advanced than the 2050 game app.
On the 2050 game app, there's just one size of board in which circles with equivalent numbers collide. Meanwhile, on the 2048 game app, I can select up to 4 different types of boards
Finally, another good reason why I prefer 2048 is that the 2048 game app shows very informative statistics (which I explained earlier). On the other hand, the 2050 game app only shows the highest score of the whole game (at the top right corner of the screenshot).
Despite the comparison, 2050 is absolutely an interesting game app which just needs a few suggestions.
Conclusion
The 2048 game app is a very interesting puzzle game, and you'll definitely love it. When you install it, try to beat my present highest number (256).
Remember, the aim is for your highest number to be 2048 and above. 😊