Cops is a retro styled Windows Phone arcade game that has pixelated, monotone graphics and mildly challenging game play. You play the role of one of the most wanted criminals and have to navigate through the nine platform styled gaming levels.
You can run, jump and shoot your way through all the coppers who are determined to throw you in the big house. Along with the run of the mill street cops, you will also have to face off with two bosses.
Reminiscent of the old GameBoy, or maybe even the Commodore 64 video games, Cops does have a certain level of appeal and is available for low-memory devices.
Cops and Robbers
Cops has a very simple main menu with options to access the game's settings, visit the developer's Facebook and Twitter pages and jump into game play. Settings include turning on and off the game's vibration, music, and the hard mode. The game also has the option of choosing between the black and white classic appearance or a brown toned color scheme.
You also have the option to customize the gaming control size. Cops utilizes a set of on-screen buttons to control your characters movement, jumping ability and to fire his weapon. The settings allow you to increase or decrease the size of these buttons to better accommodate your finger size.
Cops' gaming screen has your health points, ammo count and score displayed in the upper left corner with the gaming controls lining the bottom of the screen. The goal is simple, navigate your character across the gaming level without getting killed by the cops.
You can shoot the cops or jump over them and run away from them. Some are hidden in cubbyholes but most are sitting in plain sight. You can wait until they turn their backs on you to rush them or just go toe to toe and shoot it out.
Cops do take multiple hits to take out and while you do have an unlimited supply of ammo, you only have sixteen shots per magazine and it takes a few seconds to reload. In those few seconds your character is vulnerable to attack to time your shootouts carefully.
There are also gems scattered about the gaming levels that can be collected for extra points.
There are nine levels of play with Cops with most being the run, kill and avoid getting shot type action. You do have two levels that will test your skills at being stealthy and avoid getting shot and two levels that climax with bosses to battle.
Overall Impression
The developer did a nice job of creating a game with a nice, retro feel to it. Cops may not have the flashy graphics and action packed game play but not every game needs that to be successful. Cops is a simple, fun, old school styled game to pass the time with.
The developer indicates that the game is still under developer so additions and expansions are in the game's future. I have two suggestions that may add to the game's appeal. First, label the A and B buttons with Jump and Shoot. I still at times hit A thinking it is to shoot and B thinking it is for jumping.
Second, toss out a few power-ups on the gaming levels. An old fashion Tommy Gun would be a nice power-up or maybe a bulletproof vest.
As is, Cops is a fun game to pass the time with and represents the retro styled games very well. Cops currently brings home a 5 Star rating in the Windows Phone Store along with many positive comments.
