A review by Frank Petrie

Product: Goaaal!
Author: Skyworks Interactive, Inc. <www.skyworks.com>
Requirements: iPhone, iPod Touch
Price: $1.99
Test Rig: iPhone 3G/16GB

Once again I’m writing a review of a Skyworks game. But this time it’s not an arcade game. It’s a soccer shoot out.

“In Goaaal!, you’ll use all your flicking kicking skills to score as many shots as you can. In Progressive Mode, every bonus target you hit will earn you a free kick – do well enough and earn badges. In Arcade Mode, shoot five goals in a row and you’ll be ‘on fire’ and every goal will reward you with another kick. Beware: the goalie gets progressively better as you improve!”

I’m addicted to their arcade games. But will I be as drawn in by Goaaal! ??

THE JUICE

As in all of Skyworks’ games, you can put spin on the ball. If you’re good enough (which I am not) I imagine that you can mix up enough shots to keep the goalie on his virtual toes (a band that I played in during the 70s). There’s nothing to do to set up other than entering your name, decide whether or not you want to submit your scores to the global pool and practice.

THE PULP

Yes, the goalie does learn your moves, but very slowly. But there are other ways to score points (bulls-eyes in the back of the net, balls ‘on fire’, etc.) to make up for the goalies slow learning curve.

As always, you can customize the music by selecting from three different tracks.

THE RIND

Nada.

SUMMARY

Skyworks has set the benchmark for arcade games. I’m addicted to them. But for whatever reason, even though this game is every bit as well built and full featured as the other games that I’ve played, I didn’t develop the same addiction.

But then again, that’s just me. Give it a go.

RATING : 8 of 10

©2009 Frank Petrie