Moto Delight is a fun, if flawed, game of familiar physics. With controls similar to (but more sensitive than) those found in similar games, Moto Delight instantly feels familiar in the best way possible. However, as you work your way through …
Moto Delight is a fun, if flawed, game of familiar physics. With controls similar to (but more sensitive than) those found in similar games, Moto Delight instantly feels familiar in the best way possible. However, as you work your way through the game, there are a number of sore points that can leave a player wanting more — including a fairly significant graphics lag on some devices (including my Galaxy S6).
The setup of the tutorial level, where hints appear as you approach each obstacle, is another source of frustration. With no option to skip the tutorial, experienced players are slowed down. And for those new to this type of game, the connection between the on-screen instructions and what you need to do isn’t always clear — especially when it comes to downshifting. Still, with thirty in-game levels and dozens more in user-generated levels, those that stick around certainly won’t have a chance to get bored. The variety of obstacles is also impressive, particularly when it comes to interlocking loops.
For those who are tired of some of the gore that sometimes comes with motocross-style physics games, the ragdoll crash animations are a refreshing change, and the little bit of rider customization the game allows for is more than enough. There are enough bells and whistles with the level editor, too — so too much customization here would just be overkill.
As familiar as they are, though, we can’t help but feel let down by the controls. Although it’s clear that a lot of effort has been put into ensuring that the game’s physics are solid, the controls are hypersensitive and more than a little awkwardly placed on the screen. Those playing on larger mobile phones, such as a Samsung Galaxy Note, are in for a sore ride.
What should set the game apart from the competition in this increasingly crowded space is its level editor that allows players to design their own courses, and play courses designed by others. While playing courses designed by others is pretty straightforward, it can be rather tricky to design your own that works. For future updates, a detailed walkthrough tutorial would be an asset. At the very least, something that shows players how to move the finish line and build ramps quickly is a must. Trying to figure out how to build a simple ramp — the likes of which are in the main game (which the developers say was also designed using the same level editor) — takes a great deal of trial and error, while placing fire hydrants is no problem. When first using the level editor, it also isn’t obvious whether you’re supposed to move the finish line or yourself.
These problems aren’t likely to be major issues for those that are heavily into building games, but as Moto Delight is likely appealing to a racing and sports game audience, they are points worth making. All things considered, given the lack of intuitiveness to the level editor, the existing player-created levels are really very impressive.
Overall, Moto Delight might not be delightful (yet), but for a first outing from a new developer it still packs a nice punch. It’s fun, challenging and the ads (used as keys to unlock each new level) are relatively unobtrusive. New levels can also be unlocked using previously earned stars by pressing to the right of the ‘unlock with video’ icon. A few tweaks on update and it could be a real hit.
