Review: CrossRoads for iPad

No longer is the word ‘CrossRoads‘ synonymous with the ’90s hip hop Bone Thugs n’ Harmony hit of the same name for me. CrossRoads is a line-drawing time management game for both the iPad and the iPhone. Thanks to game developer Fabulapps, I’ve been given the opportunity to review this game.

In CrossRoads, your sole objective is to direct traffic, but without the orange vest. Using your fingers to draw lines that serve as pathways for vehicles/mode of transportation, you direct these vehicles into color coded spots. Each vehicle corresponds to a spot on a map that serves as its endpoint. If you’ve insisted on giving up on this game because it sounds boring so far, I urge you to stop.

The challenge of guiding the vehicles into their proper spots is…the other incoming vehicles. Just like in real life, more than one vehicle will enter the map forcing you to really get creative in how to guide each vehicle into their correct spot without causing any collisions. Collisions end each game.

On top of that, directing traffic isn’t your only concern — each map/stage comes with a unique side-challenge. Sometimes you’re required to pop balloons, other times you need to break ice in order to view the map or it’s your task to rub a pile of food to keep fire burning in the middle of the map for light. Each map has it’s own unique surprise.

What’s also great about this game is that you have the power to slow or speed up the pace of the game. You can also play your own music if the default game music gets boring. Another cool thing I’ve yet to take advantage of is that it’s social network friendly — you can post your achievements on both Facebook and OpenFeint, unlock new achievements and compete on leaderboards.

Here are a few images of different maps available for play:

Overall, if you’re looking for a super casual game with a few surprises here and there, I recommend CrossRoads. Available for both iPad and iPhone, head here for more information or to purchase.