Inside Social Games

Kick Ups is an action arcade Flash game on Facebook developed by David Livingston Kirby, Davy Campano and Robby Campano. The game essentially calls for you to juggle a soccer ball with your mouse before it drops to the ground. For anyone who has ever played soccer/football/futbol in their lives, they know the concept of the game and how freaking hard it is. This game is equally challenging, which is a good step to making the game memorable and addictive.

However, game play isn’t varied (just click the ball before it hits the ground) and staring at a ball bouncing around your screen isn’t the best way to pass your time. That is to say, unless you’re a huge soccer nerd, I’m not sure how much “fun” this game can be. Sure, you can upgrade the ball to a football, a banana, or your friend’s picture (a nice touch), but its essentially the same point-and-click game forever. Put the body of a Mercedes on a donkey, and its still a donkey. And probably a horribly uncomfortable one at that.

On the viral side, they do an admirable job of marketing their product and helping it grow. You can challenge your friends, and you can view both your friends’ scores and worldwide leaders (and grow frustrated as you realize you can barely juggle in the single digits while the pros seemingly can juggle for hours).

Inviting friends will get you new ball types, but you aren’t inviting them to play this great game you’ve found; instead, you’re inviting them with the slim hopes that a better ball will make this game more enjoyable. The animations are solid, the four ball types are fine, and the developers know the social network game enough to insist on friend invitations and cross-promotions with other games.

That said, this is one of those ideas that doesn’t translate to a long-lasting and addictive gaming experience. I’m reminded of the old “Ren and Stimpy” fake commercial “It’s log!” The entire commercial is about a new toy which is literally just a log of wood. The kids seem engrossed, however, in this very simple object. It’s a poignant satire on kids’ imaginations and the ability for adults to try to cash in on that creativity. Similarly, this is a simple idea that people enjoy and take for granted but is being used to make adults money. Kicking a little soccer ball round the screen is like doing the digital dishes. Yes its well animated, but really, what’s the point?

Gameplay: 3

Developers: 5

How much of my childhood died while playing: 6