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Tag: Puzzle games »

Stay, Mum review

+ Universal App - Designed for iPhone and iPad
By Nadia Oxford on October 30th, 2015
Our rating: starstarstarhalfstarblankstar :: STAY A BIT
Stay, Mum gets big points for its heartfelt presentation, but its puzzle-based gameplay is a bit lean
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Chesh review

+ Universal App - Designed for iPhone and iPad
By Nadia Oxford on October 14th, 2015
Our rating: starstarstarstarblankstar :: CHECK AND MATE
Chesh isn't exactly a free-for-all, but neither is it bound by Chess's rigid ruleset
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Bicolor Review

+ Universal App - Designed for iPhone and iPad
By Nadia Oxford on May 7th, 2014
Our rating: starstarstarstarblankstar :: COLOR YOUR WORLD
Bicolor is an original but devious puzzle game that gradually becomes trickier and trickier. Think of that metaphor involving the frog in the boiling pot of water.
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Grandpa and the Zombies Review

+ Universal App - Designed for iPhone and iPad
By Lucy Ingram on January 28th, 2014
Our rating: starstarstarstarhalfstar :: GRANDPA APPROVED
Highly characteristic and incredibly entertaining, Grandpa and the Zombies offers a host of enjoyable levels that will delight players of all ages.
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Zez Review

+ Universal App - Designed for iPhone and iPad
By Lucy Ingram on January 21st, 2014
Our rating: starstarstarstarblankstar :: OOZES WITH CHARM
Entertaining without being overwhelming, Zez offers limitless hours of combo-breaking action in a marvelous match-3 puzzler.
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2 Dreams Review

+ Universal App - Designed for iPhone and iPad
By Lucy Ingram on January 10th, 2014
Our rating: starstarstarhalfstarblankstar :: DARE 2 DREAM?
Surreal, unique, and original, 2 Dreams is an intriguing narrative adventure puzzler that is a special kind of game.
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Quarantine London Review

+ Universal App - Designed for iPhone and iPad
By Rob Rich on July 11th, 2013
Our rating: starstarstarhalfstarblankstar :: BARE-BONES
Quarantine London is an entertaining puzzle game, but there really isn't much to it.
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Fruit Blast Mania Review

By Lisa Caplan on April 10th, 2013
Fruit Mania Blast: think Collapse! with mice!
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Jelly All Stars Review

+ Universal App - Designed for iPhone and iPad
By Rob Rich on January 25th, 2013
Our rating: starstarstarhalfstarblankstar :: BACK TO BASICS
This no-frills puzzle game is a decent time-waster for familiarities' sake, but it doesn't bring much that's new to the table.
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Dream of Pixels Review

Posted by Rob Rich on November 21st, 2012
+ Universal App - Designed for iPhone and iPad

Developer: Dawn of Play
Price: $0.99
Version: 1.0.14
App Reviewed on: iPhone 3GS
Graphics / Sound Rating: starstarstarstarblankstar
User Interface Rating: starstarstarhalfstarblankstar
Gameplay Rating: starstarstarstarhalfstar
Re-use / Replay Value Rating: starstarstarstarhalfstar

[rating:overall]

I was one of those kids who played a lot of Tetris. I mean a lot. So much that I dreamt of falling blocks and line clearing for a while. So it shouldn’t be all that surprising to know that I’ve since gotten rather burned out on the whole thing. Then a game like Dream of Pixels comes out and starts the whole cycle all over again.

The way I’ve been describing Dream of Pixels to everyone I’ve been recommending it to - and it’s been quite a few people - is “similar to Tetris.” Or rather, “It’s Tetris, but upside-down and backwards.” Rather than slotting together blocks that fall from the top of the screen and clearing multiple lines in order to keep from wiping out, players have to remove pieces from a large mass that slowly creeps toward the bottom of the screen. At least, that’s how the main game works. There are several other variants that can be unlocked that are just as habit forming.

Dream of Pixels is one of those puzzle games that’s simply awesome. The core mode goes on and on until there are too many mistakes, and the longer a player can last the better the chances of them unlocking more modes. Granted I’ve yet to unlock the last three variations (Pro, Nightmare, and Shattered Dream) because the main game can get pretty crazy, but I have unlocked Puzzle. Puzzle Mode is practically another game in itself and quite possibly even better than Classic. In this variation there are no time limits but rather blocky images that need to be deconstructed. A specific set of pieces is available in a particular order and the goal is to strategically remove each one in order until the image is gone. It’s kind of like Picross, also backwards.

And yet, with all this awesome Dream of Pixels has two major drawbacks. First, the controls for lining up pieces (dragging) are a bit finicky and can occasionally lead to a few missed opportunities and flubbed withdrawals.
The second and far bigger problem is that any play session of any game type almost always results in a staggering amount of lost time. Seriously, this game is a menace to subway commuters with any intention of getting off at a particular stop.

It’s amazing how fresh a classic puzzle game can feel with a little change in perspective. Dream of Pixels successfully revitalizes one of the most popular styles of puzzle, turns it on its head, and changes the rules while still keeping everything familiar. The sheer addictiveness is more than enough to warrant a purchase but the wealth of bonus modes (especially Puzzle) make it a no-brainer.

Play God and get Extension Packs in Scribblenauts Remix Version 2.0

Posted by Lisa Caplan on June 6th, 2012
+ Universal App - Designed for iPhone and iPad
Our rating: starstarstarstarhalfstar :: SPARK OF GENIUS :: Read Review »

As E3 gets underway, expect lots of new games and major updates to existing ones. One of the first in the latter category is to the hugely popular create-any-object puzzle and sandbox game Scribblenauts Remix.

Earlier today, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment launched version 2.0 which comse with what they describe as a "free playable “God” Avatar". There is now also a World Pass extension pack which hosts worlds six, seven and eight, making up a total of 30 new puzzles. The extension pack is available as an in-app purchase for $.99, but if you already bought the furst extension pack these new worlds are included as a free upgrade.

Another new IAP, “Mystical Creatures” gives players nine unique avatars to choose from including Baba Yaga, Kappa and Doppelgänger. You can take on these mysterious identities instead of always playing as Maxwell. You can now also gift the app directly from inside the game, instead of going through the App Store.

I’m unclear on what, exactly, the new avatars do, besides add a cosmetic change, but the World Pass will add a lot of replay value. If you’ve updated and upgraded already, let us know what you think of the new features in the comments.


Azkend 2 HD - The World Beneath Review

By Lisa Caplan on March 19th, 2012
Azkend 2 is a gorgeous tile-matching puzzle game ideal for casual gamers
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Bring Me Down Review

+ Universal App - Designed for iPhone and iPad
By Lisa Caplan on November 1st, 2011
Our rating: starstarstarstarhalfstar :: PUZZLING DEPTH
Bring Me Down adds a new dimension to physics puzzlers.
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Crazy Escape Review

+ Universal App - Designed for iPhone and iPad
By Lisa Caplan on October 25th, 2011
Our rating: starstarstarstarblankstar :: PATHS OF FUN
Crazy Escape adds a cartoonish cat and mouse like twist to the path drawing genre.
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