On The Grid! Review

It’s becoming more apparent that the touch screen is secretly one of the best things to ever happen to puzzle games. With a whole new input at their disposal, developers have been able to come up with loads of new and interesting hooks for their puzzle creations. On the Grid! may not have much going on for it beyond its touch-heavy puzzle hook but it's a good hook nonetheless.

On the Grid! is a number-based puzzle game vaguely in the Sudoku vein. Each grid/board is filled with pairs of numbers and the player’s job is to draw lines connecting each pair. There are a few catches though. Obviously, the paths must not cross. Furthermore, together, the paths must fill up the whole board. It's not a particularly hard game as some boards can be beaten as fast as the player can connect the dots, although the controls cannot always keep up. However, seeing as boards can often be "beaten" without filling them completely, the requirement is an odd, occasional stumbling point. Overall, it's a lot to account for at once and it's ultimately the kind of game where if one makes a mistake early on the whole solution must be totally redone. Still, discovering the usually roundabout answers is satisfying in a classic puzzle way.

There really isn't much else to it besides that. The graphics and sound are a bit basic and bland but presentational flair isn't what most people expect from simple, little brain teasers. Players have the option to buy extra levels but there are plenty of free ones included ranging from 3-pair training boards to 10-pair challenges. Finally, it's got the obligatory achievement and leader board support.

It seems like everyone has an idea for a puzzle game these days and with the App Store everyone now has the opportunity to share those ideas. On the Grid! is a good idea that is worth sharing though. Just know there isn't much to it besides that good idea.

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