Jaws Revenge (iPhone) Review

Although thousands of players downloaded and enjoyed Jaws for the iPhone, a lot of consumers had one simple request: they wanted to be the 25-foot, 6,000-pound killer shark.

Much to our delight, Fuse Powered Inc. listened. The result, Jaws Revenge, is a flesh tearing, boat destroying fun time, as gamers take control of the insatiable eating machine to shred, tear and gobble tons of flesh, be it from humans, fish and even hapless seagulls.

Jaws Revenge plays similar to the old iOS favorite, Super Mega Worm, where the goal is to rise from the depths (in this case, the ocean) and cause as much pain and destruction as possible.

The controls couldn't be simpler. You merely press and hold the touch screen to dive, then release to send the shark soaring through the air, where it smashes through hang gliders, planes and lands on luxury boats and barges.

Eating, meanwhile, involves running into something (or someone), which automatically results in blood and several limbs. Suffice to say, Jaws Revenge is one of the gorier iPhone and iPad games we've seen.

That said, there are two ways to play, Objective and Free Swim modes. The former tasks you with completing set challenges, like consuming a certain number of people before reaching a specific buoy, or making 15 high jumps.

The latter, meanwhile, is a matter of survival, as you aim for the highest score possible and then post that number on the Game Center leaderboard; the game also comes with 60 achievements.

In addition, the developers let you upgrade the shark's abilities using gold coins acquired in the game or through in-app purchase to do a number of things, from strengthening Jaws' skin to buying 25 Frenzy Charges; while in Frenzy mode, the shark speeds up and receives bonuses.

All told, it's a satisfying experience for the most part. Those objectives eventually feel the same, and the game has little to do (though we did see a banana boat) with the "so bad it's good" movie, Jaws: The Revenge. Perhaps that's a good thing.

Bottom line, you can't go wrong with this one. Jaws Revenge is a smartly designed and brutal action game that should satisfy your inner Carcharodon Carcharias. Eat all you want, but take what you eat.

Requirements: Compatible with iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, iPod touch (3rd generation), iPod touch (4th generation), and iPad. Requires iOS 3.1.3 or later.

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