Game Review: AlphaJax (Great multiplayer game!)

AlphaJax is a fantastic example of how push notifications, live tiles, and online multiplayer can work together in perfection on Windows Phone 7.

Overall Score: 5/5

This game is a revolution in Windows Phone 7 software development, and a joy to play! The gameplay, presentation, and lasting value is amazing.

Gameplay: 4/5

AlphaJax is essentially scrabble, and you play against other Windows Phone 7 owners online. You can start a random game which will pair you with someone else, or you can find out your friend’s username and start a match against him/her. This can sort of be an issue since you may not know many people with a Windows Phone (add me “andrewbares”), and the people you randomly play against sometimes aren’t interested in playing you. Including a ranking system that pairs you with people at your skill level would be fantastic, but right now the Random selection pairs you with anyone at all. However, when it is your turn in a game, you will instantly (and yes, we tested it, it is seriously instant) get a push notification telling you it is your turn. You can also have a live tile that shows it is your turn. It is simply a fabulous implementation of online turn-by-turn based gaming on your phone! And the game itself is lots of fun, with perfect controls and great words to create.

Presentation: 5/5

The game looks classy, feels smooth, and has nice sound effects. Combine that with the fluid toast notification system that keeps you immersed in the game, and it feels like a first class experience!

Lasting Value: 5/5

Once you get some games going with a few friends or a few random people online, AlphaJax will last you weeks and weeks, since the matches themselves usually span across a few days. You can respond to your opponent’s moves at your own leisurely pace, or rush through some games in real time while talking to your friend over the phone! It can last forever while remaining fun!

Title: AlphaJax
Price: $2.99
Publisher: Kanda Holdings Ltd