At first glance, Orbital from Bitforge looks like a complete knockoff of the popular Geometry Wars.  Graphically speaking, it’s hard not to say that they were definitely aiming for a similar look and feel, as the color scheme and space grid background are ripped right from the original Geometry Wars game.  However, Orbital definitely offers a completely different gameplay experience, playing more like a futuristic Peggle than a multi-directional shooter.  But does that give it any lasting appeal to make it worth a purchase?  Hit the jump to find out.

Orbital has you in control of a small launcher located at the bottom of the screen.  As the barrel of your launcher moves back and forth, you must shoot small orbs out into the game space.  These Orbs will bounce for a little and then come to a slow halt, at which point they will expand until they hit either a side wall, or another previously placed Orb.  Every new Orb begins with the number 3 in it.  This number represents the amount of times it needs to be hit before it will explode, remove itself from the playing field and earn you points.  If either a shot Orb or it’s outlaying circle ever comes to the bottom of the screen (also known as “the death line”), the game is over.  Describing it makes the game seem somewhat complicated, but after one game, and watching a quick tutorial, you will understand every aspect of the game and be ready to jump right in.

Orbital only features one level, which progressively gets tougher as you add more Orbs to your screen.  However, there is no variety in the backgrounds, level design or varying power ups that could mix up the gameplay.  But at a $0.99 price point, you can’t get too picky with the depth of an app such as this one.  In addition, the game includes a 2-player multiplayer mode via the same device, where each player is located at opposite sides of the screen.  It is a nice addition that definitely adds to the overall package.  There are also leaderboards to compare high scores with the rest of the world, as well as Facebook Connect to brag to your friends or challenge them to beat your high score.

For little under one dollar, I can say that Orbital delivers on some unique gameplay that will keep you coming back to try to move your way up the leaderboards.  The addition of a 2 player mode using the same device also adds some replayability with another friend, but a lack of level variety and more power ups or changes to the gameplay really keep this one from becoming a true hit. Orbital lays down the foundation for an interesting puzzle game, but more tweaks will be needed in a future update or a sequel if it hopes to make a name for itself among the countless other puzzle games out in the app store.

[A copy of the game was provided by the publisher for review purposes.]