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Mobile Game Review: Stranded by glu

I’ve been a fan of glu since I started playing mobile games back when. Now I can’t remember what game that was nor which ones they are famous for, but I remember they make great games.

Stranded, seems suspiciously reminiscent of the TV series Lost (same premise – people stranded on mysterious island) but when you start playing the game, the differences are apparent.

Stranded is a linear adventure RPG game, best I can describe it. You get to explore, do quests, find lost people, pick fruits, grow vegetables, chop down trees, improve your dexterity by fighting monsters, fishing, and the fun part of every RPG, trading.

The storyline is engaging and there’s always a nice surprise at every corner. Loading between maps was speedy on my Nokia N82 and navigation and battle a breeze.

I liked that it sucked me right in and I soon forgot I was nursing my baby for 2 hours and forgot to nap. Arms and fingers ached after but it was well worth it.

A small but niggling point: when you save and exit, you end up back at camp the next time you load the game. Doesn’t matter if you want to end up there, just like if you’re lazy to walk, just let yourself get bitten by a snake or boar.

It gave a nice ending – I was sorry for it to end – but a sequel might just be looming on the horizon.

Definitely worth buying, even for a single game play of around 6 hours.

Psst: here’s its bunch of awards (as listed from its website):

Pocket Gamer: Gold Award
Mobilegamefaqs: Gold Award
Play 2 go: Gold Award
An atmospheric masterpiece
Airgamer award
WGWorld Editor’s award
Gameshadow: Most Innovative Mobile Game 2006
IGN: Editors Choice Award

My rating: 9/10 for its excellent game play, engaging plot, and fun and satisfying quests.

Update 16/5/2010: The sequel Stranded: Mysteries of Time is now available on iPhone.