Tapper World Tour (iPhone) Review

By Chris Buffa
Published March 17, 2011

Now this is how you do a remake. Square One teamed with Warner Bros. to revive the beloved arcade classic, Tapper. The result is Tapper World Tour, an iOS exclusive management game that puts you in charge of serving thirsty patrons a variety of drinks, collecting tips and empty glasses en route to bartending glory. Throw in animations from legendary artist Don Bluth (of Dragon's Lair fame), and there's plenty to love about this downright frantic App.

The game's enjoyable because it pays homage to the successful Tapper formula and contains new elements that make it feel both familiar and fresh. Playing as bartender Sam or his attractive daughter, Nikki, you'll travel the globe visiting different bars and sliding drinks to advancing customers, both human and alien. We also like the handful of power-ups that give you an advantage during play, from temporarily slowing down patrons to serving a drink that guarantees a tip.

Most of these perks are available in both the Story and Endless modes. The latter is where you'll spend most of your time, since the developers linked it to online leaderboards. Unfortunately, we were unable to compare scores, but Square One should get this working in the near future.

Then we have the extras, the little things that are more aesthetic, like post cards of where you've been, types of drinks served and simple mini-games that challenge you to crush anacondas or follow a pearl underneath a shell as it moves around the screen.

Meanwhile, the game looks sharp, with Bluth's trademark touch that rekindles memories of some of the best 80s hits, like the aforementioned Dragon's Lair and Space Ace. Things get a little choppy when too much happens on screen, but we appreciate the scenery.