iOS and Android series Bridge Constructor by ClockStone Studio and Headup Games has released the latest edition to its franchise, simply called “Bridge Constructor Medieval.” Part simulator, part puzzler, part building game, that description might make the title sound just a little bit more exciting than it actually is.
Each level you have one simple task. Build a bridge. That sounds obvious coming from the game called “Bridge Constructor.” The challenge comes from completing a bridge to different specs that will allow an automated task to be completed. For example you may get the objective “Build a bridge capable of getting five carts of stone across” or “build a bridge that protects from enemy cannon fire.”
Once you build a bridge you think can appropriately complete an objective, you run the simulation and see if you got it right. You’ll watch your little guys scramble across the bridge, highlighted in green. If you did a good job the bridge will easily support the weight of whatever’s crossing it or repel attacks. If not the weaker parts of the bridge will shift from green to yellow, then yellow to red before breaking entirely. You can’t really “fail” an objective as you get an infinite number of chances to build the bridge correctly. On the oft occasion you’ll have to build an intentionally bad bridge to stave off attackers, which is a nice twist but doesn’t add as much unique gameplay as desired.
That’s really all there is to it. There are only a total of five materials with which to build bridges from, stone, a few types of wood and rope, and each material has a specific role. For example you know you’re only using stone and heavier wood to build supports. This makes it so that there are only so many approaches to building each bridge, and while I have seen some puzzle games where “simpler is better”, the solutions come to you pretty quick and easy here.
As a game called “Bridge Constructor Medieval” there is a bit of a storyline. A bit. But it’s ultimately inconsequential, it won’t have you on the gripping edge of your seat like Game of Thrones or King Arthur and the Knights of Justice (90’s kid! YOLO!). The story is serviceable maybe but Bridge Constructor Medieval could get along fine without it. Same goes for the music in the game, it’s about what you’d expect from a game called Medieval. It’s not really worth calculating either music or story into the final score since they feel like elements that are just kind of there for the heck of it. Graphics too are more of the same, that kind of cutesy, colorful, chibi art style you’re used to with app territory.
Controls are a touch wonky. You select building materials by clicking on them then drag across the area of the screen you want to build them. It sounds simple enough, and it is, which is why one has to wonder as to how the controls are sometimes unresponsive and at others, over-sensitive. Seeing as how there’s not much to it, and this is the latest in a longer series, tuning up the controls so I’m not wrestling with the building materials or always having to “undo” my work doesn’t seem like it’s asking for too much.
The one thing that’s suspicious about the title is the fact there is a pay to win mechanic. This is far, far too common with apps and while any title that promotes itself as “free” on an app store will instantly raise an eyebrow it’s even more disheartening when you pay cash upfront for the title. Now Bridge Constructor Medieval’s pay to win doesn’t hamper gameplay, since you’re paying for hints to completing each puzzle, but no matter the game it leaves a sour taste in my mouth if I need to pay more money for progress in a title that wants payment up front. Now it is available for iPhone and Android for a limited time at a discounted $1.99, and it may sound fair that they’re asking a little extra for hints, but I prefer my games in a complete package no matter what the title.
Ultimately Bridge Constructor Medieval works for what it is. As an app you can pull it up on your phone anytime, knock a bridge out, and keep going with your life. It’s just not very exciting, it’s also pretty simple, so it doesn’t make you keep wanting to come back. There’s not even a carrot/stick incentive like most apps provide to try and get you lapping up more. While the game is playable and passable it’s not very inspiring or even all that fun. It’s a “just okay” game swimming in a market of better brain teasers and on the go apps.
This title was played on review code provided to us by the game’s publisher.
