These days gamers have their pick from a variety of gaming options. From high intensity battles to mind expanding educational apps. There are those that take advantage of today’s powerful chips, boasting realistic graphics, imagery and sound. And there are those that remain simplistic. If you enjoy an adventure that is simplistic in design but rich in its storyline, then Hamad and Sahar is an app you should download.

Reminiscent of the old Mario Cart game in terms of graphics and animation, Hamad and Sahar gets its roots from a completely different place. It is based in Arabian folklore and is an easy game to pick up and master, while maintaining a draw of interest in all who play.

Here’s the background – Hamad and Sahar are siblings. You get to choose who you are going to play and the storyline is that the other goes missing. If you are playing Sahar, then your brother Hamad has gone missing and it’s your mission to find him.

Controls in the game are pretty easy to figure out and are responsive, although I would have liked them placed more centrally than off to the side, for easier access.

There are several levels of game play and as your character completes various games and mazes and makes it through various obstacles, you move on to the next level, to get closer to your sibling. There are approximately six stages, each having their own landscape. Each stage is roughly 5 levels and each level has its own nature of game play, so the changes are easy to digest and get used to. There are no quick and sudden changes of what you need to do, so frustrations are kept at bay. Moving from level to level requires a key, and it’s your job to find it.

I mentioned there were obstacles, and they vary based on the landscape you are in. Keep in mind that you are embedded in one of a myriad of Arabian folktales, so the obstacles will be representative of this. There will be wild cats, wild dogs, crows and bullying boys who try to stop your mission of finding the level clearing keys. But know that you are not defenseless. You will have sling shots and various other implements, like eggs, to prevent those distractions from getting to your goal.

You also have the ability to find food to replenish your bodily reserves and keep you moving, so remember to find those and stock up.

Colorful and crisp, Hamad and  Sahar is a fun download for any player at any age, as long as you are ok with the minimalistic graphics and controls. It certainly is something different in the gaming space and will prove successful in keeping you entertained.