Allods Adventure HD Review

Anyone who has played free to play MMORPG, Allods Online, probably wouldn't expect a spin off title to be a quite intelligent puzzle game, such as Allods Adventure. It's certainly a change of pace but a welcome one.

Looking more like a tactical strategy game than a puzzler, Allods Adventure is a very attractive affair. Beautiful artwork is eminent throughout the game, with the storyline being told through such interludes. The ultimate goal is to find the Great Treasure of June, with a plentiful supply of lesser prizes beforehand.

Players are presented with a grid-based level and the primary mission to clear the monsters contained within. Besides the monsters, there are three stars to collect using similar means, as well as individual treasures to tap on and collect. It's a simple premise but one that's complicated by the limited number of moves given to the player.

As the game unfolds, players are tasked with three different creatures to control, each with their own number of moves available. It's down to them to figure out the best path to solve the puzzle, without running out of turns. Each level is tightly constructed with little room for error, so it's imperative to get things right or, at least, use the undo button frequently.

Each creature offers an important role to the mission. While the Werebear attacks in a straight line, the troll attacks adjacent squares and the lizard attacks in a cone formation. Certain enemies need unfreezing or freezing first, with the relevant creature completing such a task. Squirrels and Lynxes prove most strategical, as they dictate the location of the enemies with their abilities to move them around.

The early stages are simple enough, introducing all these key elements but the later levels prove quite a challenge. Players are given 10 free hints to use to simplify matters, but after that, it's a matter of spending real money to gain help. It's quite tempting, though.

Allods Adventure doesn't offer the greatest selection of levels, proving to be quite a short game. Replayability is high on the agenda though, with the three stars in each level proving quite a challenge to gain. Collecting treasures also unlocks new artwork, proving to be quite a delight.

It'll make many a puzzle fan scratch their head a few times throughout the game, which is all anyone can really ask of a quality puzzle game. With such a classy and well polished interface, Allods Adventure is all the more appealing.