Windows Phone Game Review: Cradle to the Grave

Cradle to the Grave is a Zombie defense game for your Windows Phone that reminds me a lot of the old Missile Command games.  You know, where you have three defensive posts and you battle against vast numbers of enemy forces. Animations are very nice, game play challenging and entertaining and if you like wiping out Zombie hordes, Cradle to the Grave is worth a try.

The main menu for Cradle to the Grave has options to play the game, log into your game account, view the online leaderboards, access the game options, view the credits and visit the game's Facebook and Twitter pages. Options cover sound effects, music and vibration on or off as well as switching to low end graphics/animations.

Cradle to the Grave is a multi-level game where you control three characters who are positioned at the bottom of the screen. Zombies stream in from the top of the screen and your job is to use these three survivors to wipe them out. Below each of the three characters is a temperature meter that depletes as they use their weapon. When the meter is exhausted (completely red), the character has to take a nap while the weapon cools down.

There are over a hundred weapons (kinda like the shotgun myself) available on Cradle to the Grave to help you defeat the Zombies. In addition to the weapons each character has, you can position two secondary weapons in between characters. Each level becomes harder than the last and prior to each level you can modify what weapons are used and craft new weapons. With the right weapons, you will have opportunities to take out multiple Zombies with one shot and earn more points.

As you wipe out the Zombies, coins will appear that you can collect to buy more weapons from the Market. Plus, as you complete certain levels additional weapons and items are awarded to you.

If the Zombies reach your characters...well...that character is toast. If the Zombies get past the bottom of the screen, your toast, your brain is eaten and the game is over. Your progress is saved when you exit the game and you always have the option to start at square one.

All in all, Cradle to the Grave is a challenging, fun game for your Windows Phone. With fifty levels of play, there is plenty of gaming to keep the game from getting stale too quickly. Your approach to the game does take a little strategery to make the most of your defenders. You need to avoid shooting to opposite sides of the screen and pace your shots so your weapons don't overheat.

If you're looking for a fun and challenging arcade game, Cradle to the Grave is worth a try. If your a Zombie game fanatic, Cradle to the Grave will be a nice addition to your Windows Phone gaming library. Cradle to the Grave runs on both Windows Phone 7 and 8 and comes in two versions:

• Free, ad-supported (QR code below left) - Store Link
• Premium (QR code below right) - $1.99 - Store Link