Shift Into a New Perspective With the Artistic Motif
November 20, 2020 by RSS Feed
Motif. ($1.99) by Tarik Canturk is an artistic puzzle game that is both relaxing and challenging. If you enjoyed other recent titles such as Linelight and Vignettes, then there's a good chance you'll like what Motif brings to the table.
Life has been rather stressful for me as of late, so I have found myself taking refuge in more games of all kinds. It's a perfect retreat from reality for me, as I can forget about my troubles for a while and still keep my mind stimulated. One of my favorite genres are puzzles, and while I feel like I've played them all, I can't help but look for new ones to try. When I saw Motif on the App Store this week, I was intrigued because it looked so simple — there had to be more to this, right? Out of curiosity, I gave it a chance, and it's a perfect way to relax.
Linelight
Brett Taylor
Vignettes
Skeleton Business
Visually, Motif is as simple as they come. The game is entirely in black and white, featuring basic lines and shapes for the graphics. The only bit of color that you'll find is the red dot representing a handle in which you drag the parts with. The game is rendered in 2D so everything is flat and minimalistic, which should be appealing to those who prefer this aesthetic. Animations are smooth and fluid, including the subtle falling snow overlay. There's a soothing atmospheric soundtrack that plays in the background, and the sound effects are rather whimsical. As a fan of simplicity, I think the developer did a great job with Motif's visual and audio design.
Like most puzzle games, Motif is level-based. That means that players must solve the previous puzzle before they are allowed to move on to the next one. At the moment, Motif contains over 100 puzzles for you to figure out.
The goal of each puzzle is to recreate the desired motif, shown at the top of the screen, with the pieces that are given to you. The play area is divided into a specific number of pieces for each stage, and the parts are equally symmetrical to the number of pieces the board is split up into. Because of this, players must be careful when they are choosing where to place the pieces.
Controls in Motif are natural and intuitive. You can only move the one piece, which is marked by the red dot. Drag it around with your finger and watch as it splits up into multiple copies of the same piece. It will spin and shift as you move it around. You want to position it so that all of the pieces match up with the indicated motif at the top.
The game is able to recognize if you're stuck due to repeated shifting of the pieces, but never getting the solution. Once this happens, there's a signal in the top right corner that informs you of a hint system. However, the catch is that you can only get one hint a day, so use it wisely.
The nice thing about Motif is the fact that you aren't penalized for taking too long, and there aren't any move restrictions in place. Even though the puzzles get trickier as you advance, it's still relaxing because you play at your own pace.
Motif is a simple yet challenging puzzle that's all about recreating art.
The Good
Motif looks like a barebones game, but the concept is unique and artistic. If you're a fan of simple design, then you're sure to appreciate the aesthetic here. Controls are simple and straightforward, and the puzzles are fun to solve. Even if you don't get it on the first try, watching the lines shift and come together can be rather mesmerizing to watch. This is a great way to unwind after a long day.
The Bad
While I like Motif for what it is, there are still some flaws. For one, I don't like that I only get one hint a day. I don't think that is enough, honestly. Maybe two or three a day, but you just get one more added daily until it's full. Something like that is a bit more reasonable, at least to me. I also wish that there were more colors in the game, because just black and white can get boring after a while. Still, these don't affect the gameplay too much, and are just small quirks.
The verdict
As a fan of puzzle games, I'm enjoying Motif so far, even though I've only downloaded it this morning. I love simply designed games, and Motif falls under that category well. The gameplay is also fun and challenging, though things start out easy enough. Controls are responsive as well, so there's no issue there. I just wish more hints were available, but it's not a deal breaker.
I recommend giving Motif a try if you're in the mood for a relaxing and artistic puzzler. Motif is available on the App Store as a universal download for $1.99.
8.6
OVERALL
Game Controls 9
Gameplay 9
Replayability 8.5
Graphics 8
Sound/Music 8.5
Motif.
Tarik Canturk
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Blast and Infect Source Code in Dual-Stick Shooter ATOMINE
November 20, 2020 by RSS Feed
ATOMINE ($2.99) by Broken Arms Games is a dual-stick shooter roguelike that feels futuristic and technical. If you enjoyed games like The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth and Soul Knight, then you will love what ATOMINE brings to the App Store.
As much as I like to de-stress with some relaxing puzzles, sometimes I need a bit of "pew pew" action to unwind, especially if I'm upset about something. For these moments, I strongly prefer arcade style games, specifically dual-stick shooters. This is because these games let me take out my anger in the form of lasers and explosions, which is much more productive than say, me punching a wall. Plus, the action gets my blood pumping, and I feel alive with adrenaline. Who doesn't like that feeling? I can't get enough roguelike dual-stick shooters in my life, so when I saw ATOMINE on the App Store, I had to get my hands on it.
The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth
Nicalis, Inc.
Soul Knight
Zeyang Li
Deus Ex GO
SQUARE ENIX Ltd
Visually, ATOMINE has a unique aesthetic. The game is fully rendered in 3D with an angled, top-down perspective. There's a bit of minimalism with the graphics, as the structures and character sprites are like digital blueprints and various geometric shapes. In a way, ATOMINE's visuals remind me slightly of Deus Ex GO, just without the finished polish. The colors used in ATOMINE range from soft, muted shades to bright and vibrant hues that contrast nicely with each other.
Explosions are aplenty in the game, and they have fantastic block particle effects when they happen. And if you're a fan of cool screen effects, ATOMINE has a nice visual "glitch" that occurs when you're hit by enemy fire. Animations are smooth and fluid, so I had no issues of lag on my iPhone 7. To top things off, the game has a blood-pumping electronic soundtrack that fits the overall theme, and the sound effects are fun to hear. Needless to say, the developers did not disappoint with the visual and audio design of ATOMINE.
While players who pick up ATOMINE and start playing don't get a narrative, there's actually a story behind everything, and it's rather interesting.
Things start out in 2011 with Sergey Ulasen, who discovered STUXNET, which is a computer virus that spread through Microsoft Windows and targeted the Siemens Industrial control system. It lay dormant for years, waiting to activate. STUXNET is the first malicious spyware that is able to spy on and subvert industrial networks, and even includes a programmable logic controller rootkit. STUXNET has been infecting and largely affecting targets such as nuclear power plants and oil drilling systems.
Atomine is a virus created soley for putting an end to STUXNET. However, the only catch is that ATOMINE starts off fairly weak, and must grow in strength in order to reach and infect STUXNET while compiling itself into the source code.
In ATOMINE, players embark on procedurally generated runs that involve waves of enemies coming at you before you can proceed. You'll have to defeat all enemies to reveal the portal that takes you to the next stage. Each run gets split up into about 12 stages (nine regular areas and three boss fights), which may not seem like a lot at first, but the game is much harder than you think.
Controls in ATOMINE are simple and intuitive. In the bottom left corner is the virtual joystick for freely moving your Atomine virus around the floor. The bottom right corner has the joystick for aiming and attacking. A subtle line helps indicate your aim. These joysticks are not fixed in position, so players are able to freely move them to a new spot just by touching their thumb on the screen.
As you defeat foes, they will drop green orbs, which may contain experience points, energy, or weapon modules. When you collect enough XP, your Atomine version increases, meaning it's stronger than before. Energy's your health in the game, so it decreases when you get hit. But finding energy refills it by one.
The weapon modules are the biggest and most coveted drops that you'll want. These modules unlock many different options for customizing your Atomine, and they modify your weapons and play style. The modules change your bullet type, number of bullets, rate of fire, and other mutators that prove extremely useful in battle. There's a ton of modules to find, so it only adds to the replay value of ATOMINE.
While ATOMINE is considered a roguelike in the fact that runs are procedurally generated and you'll start from version one if you die, it's not a full roguelike. In fact, it's more of a roguelite because you still have access to all of your weapon modules. So there is some visible progress, if that's one of the reasons you don't like roguelikes.
An action packed dual stick shooter with procedurally generated levels and a rogue-like set up.
The Good
As a fan of dual-stick shooters, I must say that ATOMINE is an excellent addition to my collection. I love the high-tech digital world that it takes place in, and the explosions are awesome to see. The soundtrack is also amazing and icing on the cake. Controls are customizable and responsive, which is just what you want in a dual-stick shooter.
While the game seems short with only about 13 total areas in each run, the frantic action and pace make for a true challenge. Enemies detect your presence as you go, so players can't expect to ever be safe when entering a new room. Enemy variety also keeps things fresh since you don't know what you're going to get on each run.
Having the weapon modules is another great part of the game, since players can customize their character to their heart's content. It opens up many different possibilities, and if you prefer finding your own play style in dual-stick shooters, this is a perfect fit.
The Bad
For the most part, ATOMINE is an excellent dual-stick shooter with a splash of roguelike elements. However, I would think that this game isn't for everyone, since it's pretty difficult, even in the beginning. But with some time and practice, this game gets fairly addictive.
The verdict
ATOMINE is a worthy addition for anyone's dual-stick shooter collection. The game is jam-packed with beautiful visuals and effects, and the soundtrack is refreshing. Controls are responsive and adjustable, which is a bonus. And while the game is hard, it's pretty addictive and hard to stop once you figure things out.
I highly recommend getting ATOMINE if you're looking for dual-stick shooter action. ATOMINE is available on the App Store as a universal download for your iPhone and iPad for just $2.99. There are no in-app purchases.
9.2
OVERALL
Replayability 10
Game Controls 9.5
Graphics 9
Gameplay 9
Sound/Music 8.5
ATOMINE
Broken Arms Games Pty Ltd
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Line Up Your Numbers Right in Nuzzle - Sudoku Puzzle
November 20, 2020 by RSS Feed
Nuzzle - Sudoku Puzzle ($0.99) by Melih Mucuk is a numerical puzzle game that will tease your brain and put it to work. If you enjoyed other titles like TENS!, Threes!, and The Mesh, then you will enjoy Nuzzle - Sudoku Puzzle.
When I've had a long day, I just want to sit down and relax with a game, preferably a puzzle of sorts. This is because even though I just want to do nothing, I'd rather keep my brain stimulated instead of letting it turn to mush. I have a plethora of puzzle games on my iPhone, but I'm always on the lookout for more. I always thought of myself as a word person, not a numbers gal, but that doesn't stop me from giving number puzzles a try.
TENS!
Kwalee Ltd
Threes!
Sirvo LLC
Threes! Free
Sirvo LLC
The Mesh
Creatiu Lab, SCP
Visually, Nuzzle is super simple and minimalistic. While everything appears in a 2D fashion, the number tiles are stacked, giving it a pseudo 3D aesthetic. The chosen typeface is thick and easy to read. Nuzzle's color palette consists of navy blue, red, and light gray with white text, which all contrast nicely with each other. There's not many animations in this game except when you move the number tiles around, but that's done smoothly. I did find it odd that the game is completely silent — there's not even any sound effects as tiles snap into place. But if you prefer listening to your own tunes while playing games, then this is good news.
There are three options to pick from in Nuzzle: 3x3, 4x4, and 5x5 grids. As you'd imagine, the bigger the board is, the more difficult it will be to solve. Regardless of which board size you choose, the goal is the same: place and align the number tiles on the grid so that you match up with the six numbers shown at the top. While it sounds easy, it's much harder than it looks on the surface. Similar to Sudoku, players must be cognizant of where they are placing the number, since the numbers can be read horizontally or vertically.
Controls in Nuzzle are as easy as they come. At the bottom of the screen is where the number tiles are. To get them on the grid, just drag them to the spot that you want them in. But be warned — once they're set, you can't move them! There's no "undo last move" button either, which I found to be annoying.
It's not clear from the get-go, but you can tap on a placed tile to put it back in the stack, but it counts as a move. The game does not tell you about this, and I only happened to find out about it by accident.
Instead, there's a "reset puzzle" button, but this means starting over with an empty slate. And with the move counter at the top (fewer moves means more points), using the restart button essentially doubles your moves, because it places all of the tiles back. While you technically "restart" the puzzle, it doesn't reset the move count, which I found irksome. At least there's no time limit, I suppose.
When you have all of the tiles on the grid, you win if you were able to get all of the numbers shown at the top. If not, then you lose. When you win, your score is dependent on how many moves it took you to solve.
Nuzzle is a Sudoku-style puzzle game that will give your brain a workout.
The Good
Nuzzle - Sudoku Puzzle has a unique concept that is definitely engaging and challenging. The minimalistic graphics are nice too, with simple colors and an easy-to-read typeface. No music means that you can listen to whatever you want, though I wish that there were some sounds at least.
The Bad
The lack of a single undo move button is the biggest flaw of the game. It's annoying to have to start over from the beginning if you notice that you make a mistake. While you can tap on a tile to take it back, it's not obvious and I only happened to find out by accident.
And then to have your move count doubled because you have to restart is just rubbing salt into the wound. I hope that the developer considers adding a clearer undo button in an update, because it would help streamline the game and be less frustrating.
The verdict
While I'm not the best at solving numerical puzzles, I'm still enjoying Nuzzle for what it's worth. The minimalistic design appeals to me, because it lets you focus on the gameplay. The puzzles are challenging and should appeal to anyone who enjoys Sudoku or other similar logic puzzles. I just want to see a single undo move button added in the future, as it would make the game much more streamlined.
I'd give Nuzzle a try if you're looking for a Sudoku-like puzzle game for the weekend. Nuzzle - Sudoku Puzzle is on the App Store as a universal download for $0.99. There are in-app purchases.
7.1
OVERALL
Gameplay 8
Replayability 7.5
Game Controls 7.8
Graphics 7
Sound/Music 5
Nuzzle - Number Logic Puzzle
Melih Mucuk
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It's a Small, Dangerous World in Tales of the Tiny Planet
November 20, 2020 by RSS Feed
Tales of the Tiny Planet ($1.99) by Pixelsplit is a one-touch physics puzzle game that is reminiscent of the classic Rolando games that were once popular many years ago. If you enjoyed other games like Pigeon Wings or Motif, then you'll get a kick out of Tales of the Tiny Planet. It's a great game to help take your mind off of things.
Life's been rather stressful for me as of late, so I've been spending more time with video games across various platforms. However, most of my gaming time is still on my iPhone, just because my phone is always with me. My favorite genre to play are puzzles, since they keep my mind sharp but they're still relaxing to play. Plus, they're easy to put away if I need to do something else. While it feels like I've played almost every puzzle game, I'm always looking for more. So when I saw Tales of the Tiny Planet, I was intrigued and had to get my hands on it. It's definitely a title that does not disappoint.
Pigeon Wings
Ignacio Schiefelbein
Motif.
Tarik Canturk
Visually, Tales of the Tiny Planet sports a rather cute and minimal artistic approach. Everything is rendered in 2D, though there are subtle yet gorgeous backgrounds that add some depth overall. The foreground remains focused and sharp, and there's plenty of basic geometric shapes everywhere, yet the planets are oddly adorable. The colors range from soft pastels to muted, earthy tones to more vibrant shades, so it all meshes together well and is appealing on the eyes. Animations are smooth and fluid, with no lag on my iPhone 7. The soundtrack is rather whimsical, and the sound effects are delightful. Overall, Pixelsplit did a fantastic job with the visual and audio design of Tales of the Tiny Planet.
Like other puzzle games, Tales of the Tiny Planet is level-based. At the moment, there are five chapters, with 12 stages in each, so there's 60 puzzles for you to solve with the initial download. However, the developers have put a "Coming Soon" marker, indicating more stages will arrive in a future update.
The goal of each level is pretty straightforward: guide the planet along the stage and reach the portal to move on to the next area and reunite with friends. However, it's easier said than done, of course, especially when you throw in spikes, enemies, and other dangers into the mix. Players are able to earn up to three stars on each stage, depending on how fast they complete it. There's also a time limit, as shown in the upper left, so you'd better be fast.
The controls in Tales of the Tiny Planet are as simple as they come. On each stage, players are in charge of all of the moving parts, which activate all at once with a long-press. You have to figure out the movement patters and time everything perfectly in order to get the planet character to the portal. And with the countdown, timing is critical, especially if you're a perfectionist and need three stars for every level.
While Tales of the Tiny Planet looks easy, it's rather challenging. There isn't much time on each stage, so you have to learn the patterns and then be quick on your toes. There will be a lot of replays to do if you're going for three stars, and it instills that "just one more go" mentality, so there's a bit of replay value.
Tales of the Tiny Planet is a cute and endearing physics-based puzzler that is sure to delight everyone in the family.
The Good
Tales of the Tiny Planet is a cute game that is enjoyable for anyone. The graphics are colorful and endearing, with a charming soundtrack to listen to as you play. The controls are perfect and optimized for touch screens, requiring just one touch. Despite the cutesy appearance, Tales of the Tiny Planet is challenging, even for seasoned puzzle fans, because of the limited amount of time you have to finish a stage. There's plenty of content for the initial price, so it's a decent enough value.
The Bad
While Tales of the Tiny Planet is overall a great little game, it can get a bit frustrating. If you are not the type of person who wants to replay a single stage multiple times in an attempt to meet the three star requirement, then it may be too difficult.
The verdict
Even though I only started with Tales of the Tiny Planet earlier today, it's been quite enjoyable so far. I am a sucker for physics puzzle games, so I knew that I had to get this one, and I'm not disappointed! The planets are lovely, and the game mechanics are fun and challenging. This is definitely one I'll be returning to time and time again, and I eagerly await more levels in the future.
I highly recommend Tales of the Tiny Planet to anyone who appreciates a good physics-based puzzle game. Tales of the Tiny Planet is available on the App Store as a universal download for your iPhone and iPad for just $1.99. There are no in-app purchases.
9.2
OVERALL
Game Controls 10
Graphics 9.5
Sound/Music 9
Gameplay 9
Replayability 8.5
Tales of the Tiny Planet
Pixelsplit
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Get Ready for an Emotional Ride in OPUS: Rocket of Whispers
November 20, 2020 by RSS Feed
OPUS: Rocket of Whispers (Free) by SIGONO is an exploration game that also features a rich narrative. If you're the type of person who enjoys good storytelling, such as Old Man's Journey and OXENFREE, then you will like what OPUS: Rocket of Whispers brings to the App Store.
These days, video games are considered art, although not without controversy. Honestly, I believe that if television shows and movies are a form of art and entertainment, then so are video games, no doubt about it. Most games may be a mindless activity to keep yourself busy for a while, but others contain deep and emotional storylines and character development that rival even a good book. While I don't have too much time to dive into a deep and lengthy game recently, OPUS did catch my eye on the App Store this week. Fortunately, I can say that it does not disappoint.
Old Man's Journey
Broken Rules Interactive Media GmbH
OXENFREE
Night School Studio, LLC
Visually, OPUS is beautiful, as the game features hand-drawn artwork that's packed with incredible detail. While the game is rendered mostly in 2D, it utilizes a top-down perspective, so there's a bit of depth to everything on the screen. And since the game takes place in the snowy mountains, the color palette is rather muted and gloomy with earthy tones and some soft pastels. Animations are smooth and fluid with no lag on my iPhone 7. There's an atmospheric soundtrack in the background that is fitting for the overall theme of the game, and the sound effects are rather realistic. Overall, the developer did a great job with OPUS in terms of visual and audio design.
Since OPUS: Rocket of Whispers is a story-driven game, players will be taken through a rather emotional roller coaster from the beginning. There's a lot of text and dialogue in OPUS due to the narrative, so a lot of reading is involved. However, the story is rather interesting, and it captures you from the get-go, though it does start off a bit slow. I also found the characters to be full of personality, even though the main character is a bit annoying due to his attitude.
Without giving away too much of the story, the basic premise is this: A boy (rocket engineer) and a girl (a witch) are the only two survivors of an apocalyptic plague. But it's up to them to build and launch a rocket successfully so that the souls of the deceased can return to the stars, as per their tradition of space burials. The land used to be quite prosperous, but now it's become a barren and cold wasteland with many artifacts and secrets to discover about their past.
Controls in OPUS are simple and straightforward, with the game telling you how things work in the beginning. To move, just drag your thumb on the screen in the direction you want to go. The game uses a virtual joystick for movement, but it is never in a fixed position, so it goes where your touch is. When there are items that you can interact with, there's subtle hints to indicate that fact, and you just tap on the object.
Since your main objective involves building the rocket, you'll have to put it together too, so there's a bit of crafting involved. And because the materials used affect the rocket, there may be some trial-and-error involved.
OPUS: Rocket of Whispers is a fantastic mix of exploration, story, and emotions. The controls are simple and intuitive, so it's easy enough for anyone to play. The game is a free download, and it includes the first part of the game (about an hour) so that everyone can give it a try. To get the full game, you'll have to get it through an in-app purchase of $1.99, and there are some additional bonuses you can get, like the Husky.
An emotional story driven adventure about two lone survivors trying to build a rocket to get back home.
The Good
OPUS: Rocket of Whispers is a true gem on the App Store. The game sports amazing and highly detailed artwork, and there's 30 different soundscapes that are relaxing and soothing to listen to. For those who appreciate a great story, OPUS has it, and it's captivating and immersive due to the great character personalities that are relatable. I think the first hour is good enough to give players a taste of the game, and it's well worth the two bucks to get the rest of it.
The Bad
OPUS: Rocket of Whispers is a pretty dang good game, but only if you like exploration and story. If you aren't fans of either of those, then there isn't much that this game can offer you. It's not an action-packed game, so if that's what you're seeking, then you'll need to look elsewhere. But honestly, even with the slightly slow beginning, this is worth trying at least.
The verdict
I only started OPUS: Rocket of Whispers this morning, but so far I'm loving it. I'm still going through the first part of the game, so I haven't unlocked the full version just yet. But the storyline is interesting, emotional, and the characters are relatable. Plus, the art is gorgeous and the music is delightful. Controls are simple to work with and aren't too fussy.
I recommend giving OPUS: Rocket of Whispers a shot if you want to dive into a game with meaning this weekend. You can find OPUS: Rocket of Whispers on the App Store as a universal download for your iPhone and iPad for free. There are in-app purchases for the full game unlock and other bonuses.
8.5
OVERALL
Game Controls 9
Graphics 9
Sound/Music 9
Gameplay 8.5
Replayability 7
OPUS: Rocket of Whispers
SIGONO INC.
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