Growing up with a brother and a sister but only one console between the three of us meant that much of my childhood was spent in never-ending three way tournaments of Doctor Mario or tag-teaming Bubble Bobble. When renting games over the weekend, preference was always given to games with a co-op option, it didn’t matter if it was competitive or multiplayer. Just as long as two out of the three kids were occupied at a time.
On mobile, however, most multiplayer experiences are enabled by WiFi or social networks, with each person playing on their own device, often on their own time. So when Thai proto-indie studio Exceed7 told me their 2 player competitive game, Duel Otters, was to be played together on one device, I was definitely interested.
Best suited to tablet sized devices, but probably still 100% playable on your average iPhone, Duel Otters is basically a series of competitive mini-games played with each person holding one end of the device. Each mini-game constitutes a round and the first to win three rounds wins the match. Rounds can either be assigned randomly, or selected manually at the beginning of each match. There is also a single player mode where you compete against an AI component, which is good for practicing, but the real fun definitely happens when competing head-to-head against your friends and loved ones.
This initial release includes 7 different mini-games, ranging from a video game version of air hockey to counting games, to hot potato. There are also a couple of games where players have to rush to push items towards the other player, meaning that those with big fat fingers have an obvious advantage (Rick). All of the games are lightening quick, so expert reflexes and hand-eye coordination are a must. There are already plans for a further 7 mini-games to be rolled out in an update, with a sneak-peak included in this version.
Rick and I were both shocked at how much fun we had playing the game, and I still break it out when we’re stuck somewhere waiting or have a few spare minutes to kill. Duel Otters would be an excellent game to break out while line waiting at a convention or at your next house party. The art is also super-adorable and fun and even the music drives home a carnival-esque sense of silly fun.
For a first effort, Duel Otters is remarkably polished and well designed, but most importantly it is extremely fun to play. The instructions on how to play the games can be a little obscure at times, but a little trial and error never hurt anyone, as long as your opponent agrees to play fair.
Duel Otters is available on iOS for $1.99 with an Android version to follow shortly.
However, the developers have kindly provided me with 7 (!) download codes for the iOS version to give away to my readers. The giveaway is open from now until midnight October 20th.
23 Comments
Desiree
October 13, 2014 at 10:59 amLooks super cute. Being able to play two at a time sounds like fun and I’m sure it’ll keep my kiddos occupied.
Mariko
October 15, 2014 at 12:19 pmI really can’t stress enough how FUN it is to play. A great way to distract the kiddos, although I can’t speak to how quiet it’ll keep them… ;p
Kia
October 13, 2014 at 2:32 pmCute! Love this type of multiplayer game.
Mariko
October 15, 2014 at 12:19 pmYeah, there really aren’t enough local multiplayer games for mobile.
Jessica
October 13, 2014 at 9:26 pmOh my gosh, this looks so cute. It reminds me of this website I used to play the CUTEST games on when I was a kid. GOSH I wish I could remember the name of it… ugh! This is going to frustrate me the rest of the night lol!
Jessica
the.pyreflies.org
Mariko
October 15, 2014 at 12:23 pmHehe. Lemme know if you ever figure it out…
Kia
October 23, 2014 at 8:36 pmI don’t know if this is what you were talking about, but it reminded me of Orisnal games, which I loved when I was younger. (And still do.) http://www.ferryhalim.com/orisinal/
Mariko
October 24, 2014 at 5:29 pmI’m not familiar with Orsinal games, thanks for the link!
kaito
October 14, 2014 at 9:25 amit’s so cute.
Mariko
October 15, 2014 at 12:24 pmAnd FUN!
Jibacus
October 14, 2014 at 11:30 amLooking forward to playing this with my friend tomorrow 😀
Mariko
October 15, 2014 at 12:25 pmLemme know how it goes!
Jane Y.
October 15, 2014 at 10:56 amthis looks like such an adorable game! and i still play dr. mario for hours on end sometimes. 🙂
Mariko
October 15, 2014 at 12:38 pmIt’s incredibly cute, and fun! I have a feeling you and Yangkyu would love it.
thecatyouandus
October 15, 2014 at 12:58 pmHow great it looks!!! We are always trying to find fun games for our ipad to play together during train trips (my mom lives 2h train from us) and don’t get me started with my love for bubble bobble ;P hahahhaa
Mariko
October 15, 2014 at 1:10 pmThis game would be perfect for you guys!
Pamai Sinacommas
October 15, 2014 at 2:07 pmHead to head multiplayer game?! it looking good 😀
Mariko
October 15, 2014 at 3:07 pm🙂
Joie Fatale
October 15, 2014 at 7:24 pmSo. Frigging. Adorable!!! Whhhyyyy can’t they make it for Android too :'(
Oh well, I have been wanting an iPad for a quite some time
Mariko
October 21, 2014 at 5:35 pmThey are, it’s just not ready quite yet. 🙂
Amanda B.
October 15, 2014 at 11:12 pmOh, man! I’ll have to keep a look out for the Android version 🙂
Mariko
October 21, 2014 at 5:35 pmI’ll be sure to share news when I get it.
Jasmine
October 19, 2014 at 8:56 pmAs much fun as it would be for the kids, who will eventually fight when one best the other. I really just want to kick the husbeasts butt at it. I’m sure I am a better otter than him. Sure!