Symbol6 Redux Review

Symbol6 Redux is a colorful, simple game built around shapes recognition and quick reflexes. There's nothing too complex here, but Symbol6 is nevertheless a fun diversion.

The game is played out on the Symbol6 machine, a hexagonal board filled with seven pieces—one on each side and one in the middle, though the center piece is eliminated in the easy mode. Each piece has its own color and shape. At regular intervals, pieces fly towards the machine, and you have to quickly swap the pieces in the machine so that the incoming piece matches the piece it hits. Occasionally a bomb will approach, too, and you'll have to twist the board or tilt your iPhone to avoid getting hit. The game becomes progressively faster as you play, until you're madly juggling pieces from all sides. If you manage to keep a flawless streak going, the game awards you with extra points.

Other than that basic structure, Symbol6 doesn't add many extra features. The three difficulty levels are just that—they only differ by speed. Game Center provides a means of comparing high scores and achievements. A comprehensive tutorial explains all of the mechanics of the game.

The simplicity of Symbol6 is really a double-edged sword. On the one hand, it allows for a clean, easy-to-learn game: colorful shapes and simple swapping make for a visually well-presented game. However, the game can get a bit dull, and I would have liked to see some different permutations on the basic formula. I suppose the best way to describe it is fleeting: I enjoyed Symbol6 for a while, but at the end I wanted something that held my attention better.

If you're looking for a more complex puzzle, well, there are other games. Still, Symbol6 manages what it needs to. It's a simplistic title, but a good one, and if you enjoy repetitive, reflex-focused games you should enjoy Symbol6. Check it out for free on the App Store.