There seems to be having quite a surge of music-themed games in the iOS. We’ve seen and loved one — Jazz: Trump’s Journey — and this new one, Beat Sneak Bandit is another one that I truly adore. Check out this very neat trailer.

Beat Sneak Bandit ($2.99 universal, via iTunes) starts off with a  funny classic cartoon — a breaking news announce that all of the world’s clocks are missing — Dr. Duke Clockface stole them to create a time-freezing machine. The Bandit, with the help of his trusty sidekick Herbie the frog are the only ones who can steal the clocks back and save the world.

Each level in the game is composed of four platforms with five clocks scattered. The goal of each level is to get to the clock with the purple flag. The challenge that the game presents is that the Bandit can only move to the beat of the background music, via taps on the device. He cannot move if the taps are not in synch with the music, so headphone help a lot. For those who cannot get the beat by ear, the icon at the top of the screen pulsates with the beat.

As you progress, the levels become increasingly complex, with Dr. Clockface introducing new obstacles, like lights, guards (that you have to sneak from)  and teleporters to make your life miserable.

While the levels look like a platformer game, it is not. Bandit cannot move backwards or jump and must rely on stairs to climb up, trapdoors to go one level below and walls to turn around, making it a an awesome puzzle game that is stylishly unique, but is only a part of a bigger puzzle.

I got to say, learning to play the levels is very easy — getting to your goal is quite a breeze, given the fact that you should only get to a clock with a purple flag to complete the level. The levels become extremely difficult if you try to complete all the clocks in the level.

Completing all the clocks is the grander puzzle the game offers. Not only that you have to tap to the beat and time your steps to the obstacles, you also have to plan your route in advance.  Also, note that the small clocks break if you mistime your taps, so this is for perfectionists only.

There is a reward for seeking perfection, though. When you gather enough smaller clocks, bonus levels become available . These levels are silhouette-styled levels with extra difficulty. From the 40 main levels, you can squeeze out 16 bonus levels in all. Yay! More challenge!

Most of the time, when you hear something that repeats itself again and again, you are bound to get tired. This is not the case in this game. The music is an awesome ear candy – a combination of electronica and jazz, composed to give you a spooky feel (reminds me of old alien movies and Muffin Knight‘s Halloween stage) – but you will enjoy it. I did.

One problem I find with this game is that since players are going to feel out the beat of the music, it will only cater to people who are at least a little bit musically inclined, or those who are very willing to go though a very steep learning curve. If not, it can become a pure irritation.

This game is a beautiful combination of rhythm, puzzle and stealth games in one. Don’t miss out of it or Dr. Clockface will steal your clocks and you will miss your lunch because of that. 5/5.

Download Beat Sneak Bandit ($2.99 via iTunes, universal for iPad and iPhone)

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You might want to check out these related posts:

1. Stringz HD Review: New Challenging Puzzler for the iPad
2. Fragger Review
3. World of Goo Review
4. Jazz: Trump’s Journey Review
5. Smoody Review