Azure Rings

Developer: Personae Studios
Price: $4.99
Version Reviewed: 1.0

Graphics / Sound [rating:3/5]
Game Controls [rating:3/5]
Re-use / Replay Value [rating:2/5]

Overall Rating:

Azure Rings is a matching game set in a slightly different format. Instead of having a grid, you are given 3 concentric rings/gears that have a set number of spaces for pieces on each. You match the pieces on these rings -- either concentrically or in a row. While the game might be good for fans of this genre, it offers very little that is different for the casual fan.

Azure Rings is a very pleasing game, graphically. And while it stretches the limits of the platform (you will see occasional memory warnings), the game play is very simple. The game hints at a story of magic and special powers, but little is implemented in this version of the game.

Movement and matching is simple. You can move a piece in to a smaller ring our out to a large ring. This swaps one piece with another. In addition, you can rotate any of the rings at will. Matching 3 pieces either next to each other in a single ring or in a row from the inner ring to the outer ring scores points and removes the pieces and replaces them with new ones. You can press the center of the screen to pause the game, access the in game menu, and view your score. Unfortunately that's about it -- you can play either a timed match or free play.

While I applaud Azure Rings for it's graphics and sound, it's overkill for a rather simple and non-progressing game. Figuring out some sort of social aspect or other method to provide variety would be great for this game.