Path Review
iPhone App
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Path Review

Our Review by Brad Hilderbrand on October 20th, 2010
Rating: starstarstarhalfstarblankstar :: MELON-SCRATCHER
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Path is the sort of game that will absolutely test your mental limits; unfortunately it's not very friendly to non-geniuses.

Developer: Vsevolod Klementjev
Price: $0.99
Version Reviewed: 1.0
Device Reviewed On: iPod Touch

Graphics / Sound Rating: starstarstarhalfstarblankstar
Game Controls Rating: starstarstarstarblankstar
Gameplay Rating: starstarstarhalfstarblankstar
Replay Value Rating: starstarstarblankstarblankstar

Overall Rating: starstarstarhalfstarblankstar

While there are many puzzle games on iOS devices, Path occupies a niche which is largely untapped. The game's challenges are centered on sliding a block around the stage in the hopes of getting to the goal, but the catch is that once the block starts moving it will only stop once it hits a wall. Thus, a simple concept quickly grows incredibly complex, as Path slowly ramps up the challenge to near impossible levels. Unfortunately, this devotion to difficulty also ultimately bites the app in the butt.

First off, Path deserves kudos for the ways it manages to keep gameplay fresh over the myriad levels. This feat is achieved through the clever use of special blocks in the stages, each of which have unique properties. Some blocks may disappear after a certain number of uses or set amount of time, while others will redirect your avatar in unexpected directions or even teleport you clear across the stage. Puzzles of this ilk tend to be challenging enough on their own, the wrinkles thrown into Path make them downright fiendish.

Alas, this devilish difficultly will be the bane of most players, as Path isn't a game to be taken lightly. The lack of any sort of hint mechanism and the fact that levels are unlocked one at a time means that players can very easily find themselves stuck on a single level literally forever. While many stages can be conquered through trial and error, the number of possible solutions quickly balloons to such a point that blindly sliding the block one way or another is utterly fruitless. Truly this is a game for only the hardest of hardcore puzzle geeks.

But those who do appreciate the game's charm will likely be blown away by it. The cool background and chill music make Path an easy game to pick up and play when you want to unwind, and the abundance of included levels and challenge will keep the game fresh and exciting for many a player for quite a long time. Path definitely appeals to a very small niche, but if you're in that niche you're likely to be extremely pleased.

iPhone Screenshots

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P.A.T.H. screenshot 1 P.A.T.H. screenshot 2 P.A.T.H. screenshot 3 P.A.T.H. screenshot 4 P.A.T.H. screenshot 5
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