Review: Stick Hero

Over the past few years, mobile games have evolved significantly, transitioning from simple time-killers for commutes and office breaks to almost full-fledged gaming experiences. While touchscreens can’t fully replace the precision of keyboards, mice, or gamepads, mobile games like Modern Combat, Dead Trigger, and the Asphalt racing series have shown that mobile gaming can be immersive and demanding. However, the demand for light, simple games that help pass short periods of time, such as during a subway ride, remains strong. This is evident from the continued popularity of games like Angry Birds. Recently, the App Store added a new game called Stick Hero, which has quickly garnered positive reviews. So, what makes this game about a little black ninja so appealing to users? In Stick Hero, your goal is to help a small ninja move from one platform to another. Beneath the platforms lies a deadly abyss, and falling means certain death. The game’s charm lies in its simplicity and minimalistic design. The main appeal of Stick Hero is its game mechanics. To move the ninja to the next platform, you need to tap and hold on the screen. As long as your finger is on the display, a vertical bar grows. When you release your finger, the bar falls forward, creating a bridge to the next platform. Success depends entirely on your judgment and timing. If the bridge is too short or too long by even a millimeter, the hero will fall into the abyss. This process may seem simple, but it’s deceptively challenging. Each time you play, the platforms are placed at different widths and in a random order, so memorization won’t help you. As you progress, you can collect cherries, which can be exchanged for new characters. However, collecting these cherries is not easy—they are located at the bottom of the screen, requiring you to briefly move the ninja down before continuing upward. This must be done quickly, as the ninja runs at a constant speed. Yes, you can use in-app purchases to unlock characters, but that takes away from the challenge and fun of the game. Stick Hero is a game that won’t necessarily wow you, but it will definitely test your patience. Managing to cross even a handful of platforms feels like a significant achievement. The game is free from unnecessary effects and complicated controls, featuring only quality sounds and visually appealing backgrounds. This minimalist approach keeps you focused on the task at hand. After each failure, you’ll find yourself muttering, “Just one more try,” as you attempt to collect more cherries. Rating: 7/10