Geometry Dash SubZero for iPhone

Free rhythm-based platformer game

With a handful of levels to try out, Geometry Dash SubZero serves as more or less a demo version of the paid Geometry Dash. In this free-to-play platformer arcade game, you have to guide your icon through a side-scrolling screen and jump over the obstacles according to the song’s beat.

Geometry Dash SubZero also allows the customization of the icon, but the options are limited and when you press on the locked ones, they’ll only prompt you to download the rhythm game’s paid version instead. Still, that doesn’t take away the excitement and adrenaline brought by the gameplay itself.

Limited levels but with unlimited gameplay

There are only a handful of levels available on Geometry Dash SubZero, but these are well-made and highly replayable, so the game won’t get old too soon. These levels are made more interesting by unexpected changes, such as suddenly changing directions, having camera angles that zoom in and out, obstacles glowing and shaking, and more. That, paired with the upbeat songs, makes for dynamic gameplay.

To clear a level, you need to guide the icon through the side-scrolling screen. Spikes, platforms, bodies of water, and other obstacles will randomly pop up, forcing you to jump over them — and this happens according to the rhythm of the song playing. Others have surprise twists like random holes or boss encounters. Failing a level prompts a restart, and the screen will display how many attempts have been made.

The game also comes with a practice mode, should you need a few times to train before diving into the main thing. However, bugs are afoot, and they sometimes cause the song to jump or lose its sync with the side-scrolling levels, throwing the player off-kilter. Ad breaks are also frequent, particularly when the device you’re playing on is connected to the internet.

A rhythm game with a side-scrolling twist

Through its energetic music and gameplay mechanics, Geometry Dash SubZero offers a rhythm game unlike any other. It sets itself apart from similar games in the subgenre primarily through its side-scrolling aspect, making it seem like a platformer game instead. Although, since this is technically a free demo of the paid Geometry Dash, its level and icon option availability is glaringly limited.