THINK- Mind-Path HD Review

Dr. Reiner Knizia, the puzzle master/game designer behind titles like City of Secrets Skyline and Modern Art: The Card Game, is back with his newest creation: THINK- Mind-Path HD. Compared to some of his earlier work, it is definitely a less complex affair. However, it delivers on the relaxing, Zen puzzle gaming it promises.

THINK- Mind-Path sends players on a peaceful, puzzle journey across three islands each made up of a series of boards to solve. The goal is to connect one to three pairs of colored marbles to each other using the same selection of panels. The panels have lines drawn in them and once every path is complete it's on to the next puzzle. Paths can't intersect and there is only correct solution to each board but at least the game lets players know the instant they solve a section by locking it in place. Also, because the panels players can use never change one will quickly become familiar with what panel a situation may call for. It's purposefully easy to grasp seeing as it's more about soothing brain massages than intense mind assaults but that simplicity keeps it from reaching certain satisfying puzzle heights.

When help is needed though players can hold down on any tile and "burn" the earth to reveal part of the path. This can be used indefinitely but once the completed puzzle causes flowers to bloom the scorched earth will remain barren and the puzzle will be left unfinished. However, the controls are too sensitive when it comes to activating this hint system leading to far more stress-filled burnings than necessary. It's a shame because the game's other noteworthy control mechanic, dragging a panel with one finger and then tapping with another to rotate it, is actually pretty intuitive.

This is a game about melting away stress though. The blissful piano music and tranquil visuals of natural splendor make that abundantly clear. With such a peaceful atmosphere and a decent amount of brain teasers to chew through, it is easy to slip into the nice, puzzle rhythm the game obviously wants one to be in. It's like On the Grid! for hippies.

THINK- Mind Path sets out to be a puzzle game that's slow, methodical and almost therapeutic. It succeeds in that regard but the core puzzle gameplay itself is too straightforward and unmemorable to keep it from being anything that special.

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