Off the Leash Review

If you were wondering why the reviews have slowed down, one reason might be Off the Leash, is the latest iOS game from Big Pixel Studios that was released on February 2, 2012. The game’s premise is that there is a new sheriff in town who has banned all dogs. Dogs are being rounded up and hauled off and you, as a dog, escape from your house and go on the lamb. Along the way, you try to free other dogs and lead your pack to safety.

Off the Leash is a top to bottom scroller with extremely simple controls. Tilt the iPod or iPad left to move left and right to move right. Touch the screen and your pouch will slow down and any dogs in your pack will line up behind you. Simple, right? If only it were so. Along the way you have to watch out for water hazards that slow you down. There are also barricades that you can knock down, but will seriously sap your speed and even if you miss it, any dogs in your pack that hit them will be knocked unconscious, causing you to leave them behind. Above all, though, you have to watch the clock that is constantly ticking down and if it runs out before you reach the next checkpoint, you will be caught.

Don’t worry; there are also power-ups to be had that will help you along the way. You can also level up if your little doggie happens to pick up enough food items on the run. There are also coins that you collect as you run that you can spend for customizing your dog’s outfit, unlocking additional dogs or other items. I have played 44 games of Off the Leash now, collecting 11,020 coins. Yes, the game keeps track of everything you have accomplished and has Game Center achievements too.

I really enjoy how quickly you can play a game – most will last 5 minutes or less.  There is definite replay value as the game provides you with missions to complete as you take your dog on the run. Complete the three missions and you get a reward such as helpful items or unlock a special level. My wife and daughter didn’t like seeing the doggies being caught or knocked senseless by the obstacles in their way – they are sensitive that way, so if that would bother you at least you are aware of it going in.  That’s okay, more Off the Leash for me. Off the Leash is a fun game that has the great price of Free. You can buy coins and other items as in app purchases, but if you are persistent you can get the same things just by playing the free game without buying anything. Really, there is no reason not to go and download Off the Leash right now. Off the Leash gets 4 Mick Happies. If you want to learn more, you can check out Touch Arcade’s review of the game here.

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