Strung Along is one of the more unique platformer games that is available for Windows Phone and Windows 8 devices. You control a wooden string puppet across multiple levels of game play.
You will have to avoid obstacles and avoid over extending your puppet that will break its strings. The levels are timed, so you will need to balance speed with caution to avoid snapping your puppet's strings. The Windows Phone version is available for low-memory devices and after spending a little time with the game, it does have a bit of appeal.
The layout of Strung Along isn't very complicated with three action buttons on the main menu. You have one to access the game's settings, one to start game play and the last will reveal the About screen. Strung Along's settings allow you to mute the game sounds and choose a control layout.
Control layouts include a classic mode where your left/right controls sit at opposite sides of the screen and two alignment modes that place both controls on the same side of the screen. In using both modes, neither really stands out head and shoulders above the other.
Strung Along has two gaming modes. You have the main gaming mode that has multiple platform levels to conquer and an endless mode where you can practice your puppeteering skills.
You also have a gaming store where you can spend your game tokens (earned through game play) to customize your puppet. Oh, it should be noted that it will cost you ten gaming tokens to unlock the endless gaming mode.
The goal of each level of play is to get your puppet safely from the start of the level to the finish line. You tap the left/right button to move the puppet's legs and have him walk. If you stretch the puppet's legs too far, you run the risk of snapping a puppet string, which ends the game.
You will earn a game token by accomplishing three goals per level. Crossing the finish line earns you one token, complete the level before time expires will yield you another token and completing the level within the step limits will nab you the third token.
The levels are relatively easy up until the fifth level where you have to navigate across moving platforms (makes it easy to over extend your puppet's legs). You also have hooks you can grab to carry you across larger gaps in the stage and if you tap both buttons at once, the puppet will jump to avoid rolling obstacles.
Overall Impressions
Strung Along is a fun game for Windows Phone and Windows 8 devices. It is a game that will test your timing, coordination and patience.
The controls will take a while to get used to and if you tap/hold the buttons to jump your puppet, it will not jump. You just tap and release the buttons simultaneously to have the puppet jump.
The only real downside I could find in playing Strung Along is the number of gaming levels included in the game. It does make things a little short lived but you can re-play the levels to improve your score. Plus the existing levels aren't exactly a cake walk so it may take you a few attempts to cross the finish line.
Available for both Windows Phone and Windows 8, Strung Along is a free game with no ads. At last check Strung Along pulls down a 4.5 Star rating, which we think is about spot on.
