Compulse Review

Usually a physics based puzzle game pits the player against against a fixed set of physics. It's not often that the point of the game is actually to change the physics of each level, but that is exactly the point of Compulse. The game has a fixed set of physics rules, but players place force vectors or arrows in each level that define new forces in the level.

Moving the force arrows around each level gives the player control over how the physics of each level act instead of changing how the elements of the level react to the physics. The point in each level is simply to get a ball into a hole by placing forces on the level that will move the ball into the hole. There is still a general gravity force that pulls the ball to the ground, so players must place the force arrows in a way that works with or against that force to get the ball where it needs to go.

The levels start very easy with wide open, empty stages. Later on obstacles like walls and one way barriers are introduced, and the ball must be led around the obstacles to the hole. Later still, keys are introduced which must be collected to unlock the hole before the ball can enter.

Each level has a par goal of the minimum number of force arrows players can use on each level to receive a par grade. There are also limits on how many arrows players can use on each level. This sets the difficulty for each level with the par goal providing some incentive to find clever ways to place the force arrows.

Players that enjoy physics puzzlers will find lots in this game to keep them happy. Otherwise, players may get tired of the levels that don't vary much and only get more and more complex and demanding. The neon graphics make the game more visually interesting than lots of puzzlers and this works in it's favor. Sometimes it's just fun to watch the ball bounce around the stages and see how it reacts to the environment.