iPhone App Review: Eliss

April 20, 2009 by Jason Kaneshiro

Eliss is an iPhone game where your goal is to prevent a microcosm of planets from colliding using the iPhone’s multitouch screen.

The Good

Excellent use of multitouch. You drag colored “planets” (circles) around the screen to prevent them from touching one another and reducing precious energy. Drag the planets to a color-matching ring (”squeesar”) to remove it from gameplay. Planets can be merged to make larger ones or split apart, creating smaller ones.

gameplay of eliss for the iphone

An inventive variety of new objects and timing make up the rest of the game. Other elements include stardust, black holes, burning suns, and bonuses that replenish energy or slow down time. New planets appear in a variety of sizes, places, and moments each level.
Simple yet pleasing graphics, combined with a minimalist electronic soundtrack and sound effects. The overall mood is similar to Edge.

The Bad

Rapidly from casual fun to brain-busting hard. At level 9, I felt the challenge crossing the line into frustration. I’m presently stuck on level 11. It would be nice to have some choices regarding difficulty.
You must use two hands and multiple fingers, meaning lying the iPhone on a flat surface and giving it your full concentration. This isn’t a one hand, thumbs only game, suitable for a morning commute.

Conclusion

At first, Eliss appears to be a simple, mellow, beautifully designed game, but soon becomes deceptively challenging. Don’t let the cute pastel colored circles and mellow music fool you - I’m now obsessed and can’t put this game down, despite my frustration. Recommended. Eliss costs $3.99.

eliss for the iphone