Thumpies XL adds Multi-player Fun to the Crazy Rhythm Game!

I guess it’s not surprising that for every brand new app in the iPad App Store there appears to be 2 conversions from the iPhone/iPod Touch Store and Thumpies XL is one of the ones that is a conversion of it’s iPhone/iPod Touch counterpart. Back in February we reviewed the original version of the game and loved it’s originality, it’s childish horror style and how addictive it was. (Click here to read the full review).

Thumpies XL is a rhythm based game where you have to build up a basic beat to a cavalcade of beats. This is done by tapping along to the beats as little balls of beastliness bounce on toadstools and tree trunks. The beats are unique, infectious and entertaining and as you continually hit the beats accurately your progress bar builds to complete the level. In addition to hitting your beats there is also the task of collecting butterflies as they flutter around the screen. Grabbing the butterflies allows you to unlock more of the Thumpies that are then used in later levels.

None of this is any different though from the the original Thumpies although the larger screen does make it easier to play. Unlike some other recent conversion to the iPad Thumpies XL includes a new feature as well as all the original craziness. There are still the same 16 unique levels, each of them offering a new rhythm for you to tap along to but in additional each of these 16 levels can now be played in 2 player mode.

In two player mode the game area splits in two and is both co-operative and competitive. Completing the beat is now up to both players and it’s your combined efforts that will enable you to complete the level with each player then getting ranked on the % of accurate hits.

This adds an extra dimension to the game and while the two player mode could have included more such as a non-cooperative version where you compete to complete the tune first and have power-ups that interfere with your opponents Thumpies it’s a lot of fun.

Also, while playing Thumpies XL my daughter was instantly attracted by the unique sounds of the Thumpies as they bounced around the screen and the larger screen allowed her to help me by taking care of the butterfly collection duties, adding a further unintentional two player co-operative mode to the game.

Selecting one of the 16 levels is done by tapping on one of the icons hanging from a tree. I noticed that just to the right of the main tree there is a smaller tree beginning to grow, perhaps this suggests future tracks and levels with a future update. I certainly hope so.

Thumpies XL takes the original Thumpies and adds a decent multi-player option that takes advantage of the iPads large screen. If you are a fan of rhythm games then you will love the unique crazy horror style of Thumpies XL and it continues to be a highly recommend game.

The Good

• 15 crazy musical levels
• Local multi-player
• Unique childish horror style
• Addictive fun

The Not So Good

• No online scoreboards

Price: $4.99 (iTunes Store Preview)
Released: Mar 31, 2010
Reviewed Version: 1.0
Size: 150 MB
Languages: English, French, German, Italian, Spanish
Seller: Big Blue Bubble
© Big Blue Bubble 2010
Rated 4+
Requirements: Compatible with iPad. Requires iPhone OS 3.2 or later.