SwapQuest Review

Developer: Constantin Graf
Price: $2.99
Version Reviewed: 1.0.1
App Reviewed on: iPhone 5

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Overall Rating:

SwapQuest is a puzzle game that has some light RPG elements and trappings. Its path-based gameplay is smart and challenging without being completely overwhelming. In short, it'spretty phenomenal.

At the outset, SwapQuest presents a somewhat convoluted story that mainly serves to account for gameplay mechanics that might otherwise seem completely contrived. There are apparently some evil forces in this kingdom that got locked away because of some mythical sword, but they broke free. As the protagonist, it's the player's job to go retrive the sword while fighting off evil forces and outrunning the dark wave that is constantly at their back.

In practice, SwapQuest gives players a top-down view of a fantasty themed map that's covered with jumbled path tiles players will need to connect so their character can move forward to their goal. Along the way the screen autoscrolls, with a purple and black wave of evil acting as motivation for players to move fast while fighting monsters, avoiding obstacles, and tapping other interactive elements that can grant them rewards or reveal additional hazards.

Although its tile-switching mechanic is pretty simple, SwapQuest does a fantastic job of getting a lot of details right so that the experience continues to feel fresh every time you pick it up and play. These details can be as simple as occasionally changing the direction from which the dark wave chases the player, or as creative as presenting boss fights in which tile switching can move hazards that stun the boss. On top of this, SwapQuest features multiple character classes that can mix up how players approach levels on a second playthrough.

If there was a complaint to be had with SwapQuest, it would be the length of its levels. Because it is a fairly demanding game, levels that last upwards of 10 minutes without much respite can feel like a little much - particularly for a mobile experience. Thankfully though, some of this problem is alleviated by the game slowing down its scrolling as players spend more time without making progress.

SwapQuest is a challenging and deeply satisfying game. It nails its mechanics without really any issues, and does a great job of mixing up the action to keep players on their toes. Because of this, it's sure to delight and surprise most players that decide to pick it up.