"Walked out this morning, don't believe what I saw Hundred billion bottles washed up on the shore Seems I'm not alone at being alone Hundred billion castaways, looking for a home I'll send an s.o.s. to the world... I hope that someone gets my... Message in a bottle, yeah." - Sting and The Police
Press Start:
Makers of the top paid application of 2008, Koi Pond, The Blimp Pilots have again unleashed upon the world an experience that is hard to classify. Distant Shore allows users to walk along sandy beaches, collect shells, and communicate with those beyond the horizon.
My first message in a bottle.
Ideology/ Worldview:
Based upon the mercy of the user and his/her own viewpoint. Experience will vary from message to message.
Interaction/ Gameplay:
Tap your way along the beach. Collect 5 shells to obtain a bottle. Write a message and toss it into the sea. Replies will be received via mail turtle.
Collecting shells...
In the End:
I am intrigued. Distant Shore is a modern day experiment in communication. The app weighs its entire experience upon users across the globe. The messages that are received and sent could contain almost anything from questions to statements to random thoughts. One will never know what message lies inside the virtual bottle. I will note that The Blimp Pilots have set up a system to report offensive messages. The subjective nature of what is offensive and what is not will surely keep the developer busy policing bottles. In the end, the longevity of Distant Shore will be based upon its users and the messages that they send. A curiosity at $0.99, the price of admission is low enough to recommend engaging in this social experiment.
– DEFCON Score-
Not perfect but highly recommended
– Level of Impact –
Low: Little to no impact. Game is good for pickup and play.
I’m commenting to question your review rating. However, it might be unfair that I do so without trying the game for myself. It’s seems somewhat limited and the actual game content is based on user input (a cheap and clever design to be sure). Your level of 5 seemed high for a curiosity purchase, and I would even wonder (again, I have not played it and didn’t hear much in your review about it being all that engaging) if it should be lower than a “Medium” level of impact.
Welp, that’s my comment 🙂
Shooter –
One of the biggest issues I have with iPhone/ iPod Touch apps is longevity. The Distant Shore review was one that I wrote awhile back. At the time, I rated the app a 5 due to the time I was spending with it. However, I have not touched Distant Shore since the original review. $0.99 flushed down the toilet? No. Distant Shore is what I said, a curiosity, albeit a polished curiosity.
So, I have amended my original review/ level of impact score. Thanks for the feedback!