Speedy delivery! Or, no delivery, it seems. Static Quest: The Delivery from CookieBit is a survival-based arcade game packed with enemies, spells, weapons and items, all of which can be upgraded as you continue to punch baddies that get in your way. It's a little bit like Earn to Die, a little bit like Punch-Out!!, and a little bit like being glued to the floor while your older brother punches you in the arm and keeps asking why you're hitting yourself. But, you know, in an entertaining, good kind of way!

The story in Static Quest is that you were making a delivery on your last day of work when your van crashed, leaving you alone in the forest. Feet firmly planted on the ground, your only hope for survival is to tap the left or right sides of the screen to attack in that direction, knocking back enemies and destroying them before they get their grubby little teeth on your hide. You fight until you die, at which point you're sent to the armory to tend to your stats before heading back out to do it all over again.

It's more than just you and your fists in this battle, thankfully. Defeating enemies earns you cash, and cash can be spent on new weapons, upgrading attacks, buying spells and potions, upping your own stats, or, believe it or not, making the enemies tougher. Stronger foes means more cash, and more cash means better weapons. Better weapons means you might actually survive a few days in the wilderness, and if you can tough it out for long enough, you'll make your delivery without further delay. Now that's dedication!

Analysis: Alone in the woods, determined to complete your task. Sounds like my last attempt to start a campfire without gasoline and a lighter. Fortunately, Static Quest: The Delivery is much less futile than that, and the game puts you in the position to kick some enemy butt with a few simple controls. No dexterity required, just smart upgrades and simple "which enemy do I hit first?" decisions. And it only gets better the longer you play!

If Static Quest has any obvious flaws, it's that the speed can be agonizingly slow early on. Those blob things sure do take their time crawling towards you, leaving you punching the air while you wait for some action. That snail's pace doesn't last too long, though, and after a few rounds you'll long for the days when you had time to stand around without being stung by bees or beaten by wizards.

Most upgrade-centric mobile games these days come with a host of in-app purchases, and Static Quest is no different. They're sewn into the fabric of the experience quite nicely, however, and there are enough tiers available so you can buy in without spending your entire allowance on extra coins or weapons.

Static Quest: The Delivery takes a bit to gear up, but when it gets going, it's an epic sort of ride. Perfect for short stretches of play while you kill time waiting for that campfire to start itself!

Static Quest: The Delivery

(iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch)

Static Quest: The Delivery

(Android)

NOTE: This game was played and reviewed on an HTC Incredible. Game was available in the North American market at the time of publication, but may not be available in other territories. Please see individual app market pages for purchasing info.