Item: holedown
Rating: 91
Author: Dinsun

Our Expert Score

91/100

Holedown is a masterclass in 'just one more try' game design. It takes the classic brick-breaker formula and gives it literal depth by tasking you with digging through planet cores. The mechanics are simple—aim and shoot a stream of balls—but the strategy comes from the limited number of shots per round and the permanent nature of some blocks.

The progression system is perfectly paced. Collecting crystals to upgrade your ball count and shot capacity feels meaningful, especially as you move from the easier surface levels to the dense, multi-layered cores of later planets. The 'space acid' soundtrack and minimalist art style create a mesmerizing, almost zen-like flow. It’s a tight, focused experience that respects your time and provides immense satisfaction with every perfectly angled shot that clears a whole row of blocks.

Dinsun reviewed on: Tue Nov 21 2023

The Game

Available on: iPhone, iPad, iPod

1297270249

$3.99 4+★4.3 395 reviews

Author : webbfarbror AB

Pubish Date : Wed Jul 25 2018

Last Update Date : Wed Nov 22 2023

Support Languages : English, Japanese, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese

Genres :

Version 1.0.10Wed Nov 22 2023

General performance and reliability improvements.
Dig deep underground by shooting balls and breaking blocks, traversing your way to the planet cores. With limited shots per round and some blocks fixed firmly to the wall, thoughtfully strategize and aim for maximum impact. Knock down as many blocks as possible while collecting crystals for upgrades and getting deeper beneath the surface.
Choose your ideal upgrades such as more starting balls, more shots per round, or storing more crystals, based on your play style and overall strategy. Work your way into the procedurally generated planets with a delightful spectacle of bouncing as you get closer to the planet’s core.
Balance your plan between ball bouncing patterns and unpredictable, surprising bounces in this mesmerizing and curious game oozing with charm. Immerse yourself in a world of extravagant minimalistic art while jamming out to an original space acid soundtrack as you feel the satisfaction of digging further underground.
Features:
• Six planets to dig through
• Original soundtrack of seven diverse and space-acid themed tunes
• A tight experience with 5+ hours of gameplay’
• Intuitive, one-handed play
• Endless play mode
• 5 achievements
• 11 leaderboards
• Split view support
• Toggle for screen shake
Requires iOS 12.0 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.
Dig deep underground by shooting balls and breaking blocks, traversing your way to the planet cores. With limited shots per round and some blocks fixed firmly to the wall, thoughtfully strategize and aim for maximum impact. Knock down as many blocks as possible while collecting crystals for upgrades and getting deeper beneath the surface.
Choose your ideal upgrades such as more starting balls, more shots per round, or storing more crystals, based on your play style and overall strategy. Work your way into the procedurally generated planets with a delightful spectacle of bouncing as you get closer to the planet’s core.
Balance your plan between ball bouncing patterns and unpredictable, surprising bounces in this mesmerizing and curious game oozing with charm. Immerse yourself in a world of extravagant minimalistic art while jamming out to an original space acid soundtrack as you feel the satisfaction of digging further underground.
Features:
• Six planets to dig through
• Original soundtrack of seven diverse and space-acid themed tunes
• A tight experience with 5+ hours of gameplay’
• Intuitive, one-handed play
• Endless play mode
• 5 achievements
• 11 leaderboards
• Split view support
• Toggle for screen shake

Ratings & Reviews

4.3 out of 5 with 395 Counts

★★★★★

Age Rating 4+

Features

Six unique planets to explore and dig through

Original space-acid themed soundtrack

Procedurally generated block layouts

Strategic upgrade system for balls and shots

Intuitive one-handed controls

Tips

Reaching the Core

Focus on clearing the blocks with the highest numbers first to create a path downward. Use the side walls for bank shots to get the balls behind blocks, allowing them to bounce multiple times for maximum damage before returning.

Promotion Videos

holedown - launch trailer (android) - YouTube

News on this game

holedown for Nintendo Switch

A delightful ball bouncing spectacle. Dig deep underground by shooting balls and breaking blocks to traverse your way to the core of planets.

Nintendo Sun Jun 16 2024

Gameplays

Upgrade Priority

In the early game, prioritize upgrading your 'Starting Balls' and 'Shots per Round.' Increasing your ball count is the most effective way to clear the dense blocks found near the planet cores.