Pop Rocks World Review – So You Want To Be A SuperStar
Feb 13
For quite awhile, we have been combing the app store in search of a music-superstar simulator RPG but all we have gotten back were Justin Bieber’s fans/haters app. Now that is not cool.
But that was a long time ago and things have certainly changed for the better.
With 99 cents, your life is about to change. Pop Rocks World is currently available on the iPad app store (iPhone version on the way) and it is about to take you at least 100 steps closer to meeting AND outshining your favorite celebrities. This is the kind of perfect world where you start off with a big dream, and your idols come in to achieve it with you.
If you are reading this review while downloading the game, do note that you are strongly advised to be ready to blast your speakers because the awesome splash screen will plug you right into a concert setting even before creating your character. Players are immediately locked into the game right from the very start from its strong peripheral influence.
In most RPGs, Tutorial NPCs are usually the sages, the king, some holy spirit, genius scientist or people like that. But, players can only relate to these characters in game. Pop Rocks World is one level above all in this aspect. Caricatured versions of Lady Gaga, Justin Bieber and Snoop Lion were featured as tutorial NPCs, each giving you different base stats upon being picked. Bewitched by these idols, players are charmingly introduced to the basics of the game. Star struck right from the beginning!
Like all simulator games, players’ actions are governed by energy. Though painfully slow in regeneration at the start, players can both increase maximum amount of energy and hasten the regeneration by visiting the Music School. One advice from the team is to always spend some time in buffing your own character up in the Music School. Trust us, those valuable skills will take you a very long way. Don’t want to wait for learning to be done? Simply speed up the process by spending diamonds (premium currency). Unlike most games, it is fairly reasonable to earn premium currency in Pop Rocks World. There are lots of achievements for players to unlock where they will be well rewarded.
Pop Rocks World has within, a PVP component, where players not only have performance showdown against other players, but also, fight against Celebrity Bosses. This is where your stats come into play. Fame gives players attackts, Charm is for defense, and Showmanship is for hit points. Opponents’ stats will be hidden, and can only be revealed after purchasing the Crystal Ball. Now that is quite a mystical touch to gossip news, aye. Upon outperforming your opponents with the coolest moves, you will be able to win over some of their fans. What can be more awesome than stealing some fan girls from Justin Bieber aye? But do note that in order to face Celebrity Bosses, players have to gather enough Starpower to get them unlocked. This is a true swag-test!
Being a superstar isn’t only about going for swag showdowns against other performers. Players get to work with famous producers to create their own album. Pick from a list of genres, orchestrate your dream producing team, splash some cash on marketing and *BAM*, rise your way to the top of the charts. Fame and wealth do come hand in hand. If you managed to get your album to the top of the charts, you will be promised glory and prestige! And remember, all superstar wannabes, to always visit the Music School to boost your stats.
Taking full advantage of the iPad’s resolution, Pop Rocks World dazzles players with great graphics. It certainly brings much laughter to players when they manage to spot their favorite idols sitting on a bench by the park, or on the roof of the TV station. There is a fair bit of Easter eggs scattered all around the game.
Verdict
Pop Rocks World is not the first of its kind, but it definitely differentiates itself enough to stand out amongst the swarm of simulator games out there. Integrating different elements such as PVP, research and training, resource farming within such a unique theme is not something that comes by everyday. At 99 cents, this game is quite a steal!
Graphics – 4/5
Sound – 5/5
Gameplay – 4/5
Playability – 4/5
Originality – 5/5
Overall – 4/5
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/pop-rocks-world-hd-music-rpg/id581732017?mt=8
Oh, so this is what all the hype was about!
Music RPG? This game looks a huge. How can a single game pack in so much content?
Whack the crap out of Justin…. Wait what? You mean we can do that now, LEGALLY?
I’ve always enjoyed sim games but they are all quite the same. And actually, the same for this as well. If you strip the game down to basics, they are made up of very similar components.
Then again, Pop Rocks World has managed to stitch them all up at the end so beautifully. I should say I am pretty impressed.
Will be so cool if there are voice overs for the tutorial. Quite a waste!
Very pretty in-game graphics. The celebs actually look pretty similar to the ones we have in real life.
I don’t recognize more than half the names in the music studio but HECK IT, I am here for the superstars.
Pail My Hat looks like a character ripped from Willy Wonka!
Is that a full costume or is that mixed-and-matched?
Back at last, and back for good.
Stunning game! I’ve heard quite a little bit about this late last year and finally it is out.
20/10 energy ? *points to screen shot*. Is that a glitch or a featured bonus?
10,000 players? WOOT! Seriously?
http://www.facebook.com/PopRocksWorld