Fun, some weird bugs – Space is Key Review

I like games that are about precision, timing, and execution. This game requires all three, and for a simple premise is quite enjoyable. The "controls" (tapping your screen) work well - mostly - and there is enough variation and speed to keep you interested for the 5 - 7 minutes it will take you to get through all the levels. Indeed, I would almost say that the game felt like a combination of Wario Ware ans Super Meat Boy. However, those two games work because they are technically flawless, while Space Is Key has a few key issues. The first issue is that quitting to the main menu mid-run often causes the scoreboard to start the next run with 1 death. When you are trying for a no-fault run, having to restart 4 or 5 times just to get a run where the scoreboard doesn't think you died before the first level can really take you out of the zone. Secondly, second jumps are borked. If you tap the screen the instant your cube touches the ground, you can jump. If you wait about half a second after touching the ground you can jump. But there is an important fraction of a second between hitting the ground and being able to jump again that can make certain levels (Reverse Tunnel being the first) more luck-based than skill-based. The first issue feels like a bug. I hope it can be patched, and I would totally increase the score if it is. The second may be a limitation of the iPas, but if it could be solved it would make the game feel significantly better to play.
Review by Kohou on Space is Key.