Tricky Taps: Complete Edition Review

Game: Tricky Taps: Complete Edition
Genre: Arcade, Puzzle, Platformer
System: Nintendo Switch (also on Apple App Store & Google Play)
Developers | Publishers: Crazy Labs | QubicGames
Age Rating: US E | EU 3+
Price: US $4.99 | UK N/A | EU €4.99
Release Date: November 23rd, 2023

A review code was used, with many thanks to QubicGames.

Originally released on mobile and now ported to the Nintendo Switch, Tricky Taps: Complete Edition is an arcade puzzle game about rolling a ball along a twisty road.

Guide the Ball

Screenshot of 'Tricky Taps' gameplay showing a sparkly white ball launching from the left and navigating through a maze of grey pathways. The ball aims to avoid pink spiky obstacles at the bottom and collect green diamonds along the vertical path. Interface elements include a pause button, level indicator displaying 'LEVEL 1', and a gem counter with the number 9. The minimalist design features a soft grey background with geometric shapes and simple, bold colors to highlight interactive elements. Published on: LadiesGamers. — Guide the ball through the obstacles.

If you accept, your mission is to guide the ever-moving metal ball through obstacles and keep the ball rolling toward the end goal.

Along the way, you collect three purple stars and numerous gems on each level and avoid the obstacles the ball encounters. Some spikes instantly kill the ball and put it back to the beginning of the level. Paddles that fling the ball across gaps, paddles that direct the ball along the path and moving platforms that you must move the ball across safely and more.

Collect Stars and Gems in Tricky Taps

In-game screenshot of 'Tricky Taps', featuring a challenging level where a white ball must navigate through a pink maze with rotating sections and avoid two large pink spiky obstacles. The ball appears trapped in a section of the maze that is enclosed by green gates, suggesting a puzzle element to release it. The level is indicated as 'LEVEL 18' and there are 448 gems collected, as shown in the top right corner. The game's visual style is bright and colorful with a light blue striped background, enhancing the vibrant pink and green maze structure. Published on: LadiesGamers. — Mind the spikey balls there lethal.

You can roll the ball, bounce it, and jump it along the twisty road, but you can’t stop the ball’s momentum; it’s constantly on the move, and you don’t have direct control of the ball, just the environment around it.

The purple stars and gems that you collect have their uses. The purple stars unlock the next level, and the gems are used to purchase new skins for the ball, such as Star Eyed and Mr Sunglasses. Though completionists may aim for every pickup in each level of Tricky Taps, most players like myself will find satisfaction in collecting the three purple stars before advancing to the next level. While the skins don’t change the gameplay as they are only cosmetic, it’s a nice touch to be able to change the appearance of the ball.

Normal Mode and Endless Mode

A vibrant 'Tricky Taps' checkpoint moment captured where a white ball passes through a checkpoint marked by a large green column with colorful ribbons attached, signifying progress in the game. Confetti explodes around the checkpoint area, adding to the celebratory atmosphere. The game interface shows a pause button in the upper left corner and a gem counter with a total of 682 gems on the upper right. The background is a soft pink, and the checkpoint is highlighted by a 'CHECKPOINT 2' label, indicating the player's achievement. Published on: LadiesGamers. — Checkpoint in endless mode

Tricky Taps 150 levels will offer a challenge. It’s a fun game, and it’s great to play when you have a bit of downtime. Apart from the Normal Mode, there is an Endless Mode where the play is….well, endless. A checkpoint appears after you enter each level in endless mode, so if the ball accidentally meets its doom, you begin again at the checkpoint.

All the levels will keep you on your toes, but I never fell into that frustrated zone that some games tend to induce. Tricky Taps may not be a groundbreaking marvel in terms of innovative new ideas. Still, it shines in its approach and offers a mildly challenging yet easily accessible experience for all players.

Visuals and Controls

Screenshot from 'Tricky Taps' showcasing a level 23 challenge where a white ball is trapped within a small green compartment with a rotating barrier. The player's task is to navigate the ball out of this compartment by timing their taps accurately. There are small green diamonds to collect, which are positioned just outside the compartment. The dark teal background gives a neon-like contrast to the green elements of the maze. The game's HUD displays a pause button and the player's gem count of 577 in the upper corners. Published on: LadiesGamers. — One button controls

With simplistic one-button controls, they make it easy to navigate through the game’s series of many different mechanisms to guide the ball to the finish line. You can use either the one-button control on the joy-con or the touchscreen. Both control systems work as expected, and it’s good to see the Nintendo Switch’s touchscreen being utilised.

The 3D visuals are bright and cheerful, with the colours popping off the screen. The music, unfortunately, is one endless tune on repeat and nothing to write home about. Thankfully, you can turn it off in the settings or turn the volume down.

Tricky Taps: Complete Edition comes with the base game and the Paint Power DLC, or you can buy the base game and the DLC separately, but it is more expensive than the complete edition.

Dynamic action from 'Tricky Taps' as a white ball with a pink glow speeds down a green ramp towards a checkpoint labeled 'CHECKPOINT 4'. The checkpoint is represented by a blue circular icon in the upper middle of the screen. The ball leaves a light trail behind, indicating its swift movement. The dark background features a diagonal stripe pattern, giving a sense of depth and movement. The gem counter in the upper right corner shows a collection of 1018 gems. The game scene conveys a moment of fast-paced gameplay with a minimalist and colorful design. Published on: LadiesGamers. — You can customise the ball

Conclusion

Despite its simplicity, Tricky Taps: Complete Edition has enough variety and a well-crafted design to provide a quick, enjoyable gaming experience. It’s a great game for those moments when you have a coffee or tea break and want something to pick up and play.

Final Verdict: I Like it a Lot