This is the review for the iPhone version of Early Bird. It is exactly like the iPad HD version except optimized for the iPhone’s Retina Display. I should also note that after playing both versions of the game, you can’t go wrong with purchasing one or the other. The game looks amazing on either device and it all comes down to how you prefer to play games. The iPhone version allows for one handed gaming while the iPad version gives you more room to play. The iPhone version is cheaper though and you can still play it on the iPad if you choose.

Early Bird is a new physics based game from developer Booyah. In the game, you are tasked with trying to get your little bird to its objective, the worm. You’ll have to flick and bounce your way to get there which won’t be an easy task. Early Bird follows a similar formula to games like Cut the Rope and Beyond Ynth. Each level is laid out like a puzzle and you’ll have to figure out the quickest way to get to the worm in the shortest number of flicks. On the way, you can pick up small bugs to add to your score, but its not necessary in order to pass each level. However, you’ll want to do it if you plan on passing each level with the sub-challenge of gaining three stars.

A majority of the controls in Early Bird require swiping your finger in order to flick the bird around. Since this is a physics based puzzle game, the angle and direction of your swipe will affect how your bird moves through the air. The speed of which you swipe also affects its movements. I guess you could compare it to Angry Birds for instance where you need to adjust the angle and power of the slingshot. The difference here is that you are using a forward motion instead and it is possible to manipulate your bird’s path in mid air. This makes for some very interesting and challenging gameplay as most of you will want to figure out how to gain three stars on each level.

Now what made some of those other games that I compare Early Bird to so popular were their graphics. They all had really polished art work that didn’t look like someone rushed through them. The graphics in Early Bird are very colorful and the character designs look great. The animations of each object in the game are fluid and really give a sense that the developers took their time creating every part of this game.

Early Bird is one of those games that I think everyone will enjoy. It’s fun, challenging, and its simple controls make it a breeze to jump right into. I would consider it a casual game and one that anyone can jump right into. There is very little you really need to learn in order to play the game and young children will have no problems playing it either.

Early Bird is available now in the App Store for $0.99. It is compatible with iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad. Requires iOS 4.0 or later.