Mobile games have changed over the years, evolving in mechanics, graphics, and other playable sections. Now we have graphics close to those of consoles and computers, with high resolution textures and amazing effects. However still it remains hollow for less ambitious (but equally entertaining) titles, like those games that don’t even need to be installed.
Today comes to our scene a the comeback very curious. Who hasn’t played the legendary Atari Pong? well now you can enjoy it on your android mobile, with a completely renewed look, new playable modes, and although it does not come from the company that originally designed it, it takes us back to the 70s in the best way. We present to you Pongo17.
Here’s what Classic Pong would look like if it were released in 2023
As soon as we launch this game, we see its main menu which once again transports us to another era. are presented to us three main buttons: play a game, access options and exit. In addition, it has smaller buttons that will show us the world ranking and achievements.
For these two sections, it uses the Google Play Games platform, leaving the depth of Pongo17 latent. In the main game mode, we can select who we want to play against. We can compete with the AI (very well developed) or simply play with friends.
If we opt for the latter, it will be better to play it on a device with larger screens. A tablet is ideal to enjoy. Anyway, the game is perfectly programmed. I found myself spending more time than I should have (as of this writing) because it won me over quickly.
The graphics give a fresh air to this classic game, this time with three-dimensional textures both for the ball and for the blades. It also has very elaborate effects for the movement of the ball. From its pause menu (within a game) we can change the type of control. Although it is obviously tactile, we have two manipulation styles: touching the sides of the screen, or moving the control bar that appears at the bottom.
The appearance of the interface is quite retro, transporting us to another era.
Similarly, it is possible to change the way the ball picks up speed in two ways, gradually or instantly. Customization is up to the player’s taste, and we can even hide the HUD. Finally, Pongo17 also has an integrated store for change the appearance and design of the ball. Besides the classic style, we can replace it with a billiard ball, dice, globe and many other appearances.
The visual and sound section are not the only changes from the original. I put 17 a active skills, passive penalties and ball bonuses that will change the way we play. For example, one of the abilities is to increase the size of the lollipop, while the ball’s power-ups will cause it to “sneak” to earn it more points (three if the power-up is yellow). In the same way, the cancellations will allow us to harm our opponent, making his active abilities disappear or driving him crazy by reversing the controls of his racket.
We had a lot of fun testing it and for sure we will spend more time on it when we have some free time. Of course, this title it is paid, costs 2.99 dollars. There are no microtransactions or ads, so it doesn’t hurt to support the local developer. It’s worth reliving all the good times Pong gave us, now from a more modern perspective.
Pongo17
In Pongo17, players embody the essence of nature and chaos, which are captured in precious crystals that they must defend against a bouncing ball that represents the original information.
More information | Spirit Warrior Studio
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