BoxPlots Review

BoxPlots is a fairly enjoyable if simple puzzle game. While it might not be particularly original or innovative, there is some fun to be had here at a low price.

The idea is that players must move blocks to the correct finishing position, while navigating the scenery around them. If the level was completely clear, it'd be easy to shove these boxes in the right direction but there are a few significant modifiers to ensure that this is more of a challenge. A maze like structure frequently forms the basis of each level meaning that players must plan each move carefully. With no undo button, players are restricted to a restart button which can and almost always does undo a heck of a lot of progress.

Each level is suitably different from the last with the first significant challenge appearing during an ice based stage. This proves a particular challenge as each box slides until it hits an obstacle making it trickier to manoeuvre than in earlier stages. Such challenges continue to come with BoxPlots getting rather tricky after a time.

Unfortunately, BoxPlots suffers from some cumbersome controls. Players have to swipe in the direction they wish to move but it feels a little disjointed and awkward. This is one example where a virtual d-pad would help immensely. Given the accuracy required to gain the full three stars for each level, a more appropriate control system would have helped hugely. The potential for a hints system would have also been welcomed although I suspect the inclusion of an in-app purchase that unlocks all levels hopes to bridge that gap.

It's this rough and ready approach that stops BoxPlots from truly standing out. There's a fun game mechanic in there but it doesn't quite click as well as it could.