Crate Maze Lite

Crate Maze Lite is Jacob Conn's new app available on the iPhone App store in lite (free), standard ($0.99) and pro ($2.99) versions. This is a review of the free version.

"Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery."  Sadly, it is also a sign that people don't check the app store to see if something much better already exists.

Crate Maze's plot is simple enough. Use the controls: left, right, up, down and undo to move your truck through the maze, moving crates onto the designated locations marked by stars. As the vehicle moves, the game serenades you with a calming dental drill-esque whir.

The interface, though serviceable, is woefully inadequate to anyone that had seen this done much better in GTSystem Software's Naboko. (There the interface is clearer, select box and then select target location. Things move.)

I don't begrudge Mr. Conn making a game or his plan to release new levels monthly for the pro version. I just hate seeing inferior duplicates. I'd like to see more new or innovative programs.