puzzle

Splashy Cube Nintendo Switch Review

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Splashy Cube is published by No Gravity Games and developed by Orbital Knight and is available for the Nintendo Switch.

This is essentially a puzzle strategy game in which you direct a rolling cube through a landscape to a highlighted goal. On route there are various obstacles to avoid and blobs to squish - hence the title.

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Launching this software offers up a nicely presented title with straightforward options and a single play mode.

The simplicity is a nice change to the norm with the only tuition being shown at the start of each playthrough. This information the game presents to the player is the controls; essentially L/ZL for left and R/ZL for right.

Despite praising its simplicity it is a little barebones with regard to how to actually play the game and a few attempts were required in order to properly understand the play mechanics.

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The game is played from an isometric viewpoint. I had initially thought that the controls referred to four possible directions a cube could conceivably roll in. However that is not the case and it is worth mentioning that you always roll into the screen with either left or right control option sending the cube in that direction.

Each press moving the cube one square of the grid that denotes the games environment. As you move forward more of the landscape is revealed and to ensure that you do move forward and to add pressure on the player the foreground area is continually being removed.

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All the elements that form the landscape occupy a square or in some cases a series of squares. The squishy blobs (of your colour - beware imposters) give you points and everything else is game over.

And that is essentially it. The challenge comes from the limited movement options and having to plan your route as it materialises so as to not get stuck since you have no way to reverse your direction.

The game also operates a single save and as far as I can see there is no way to restart back at level one so you are always progressing through ever challenging levels. Although the hazards all generally perform the same function; either a direct/destructible/moving obstacle which to be avoided.

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There are various cosmetic unlocks depending on progress, score or days played that you can use to change the look of the cube. The high scores are based on one "play" and there are various high score tables to inspect (I'm the highest currently - yay).

So what do I think; well I was initially confused by the game until I understood how it was meant to be played. Something I hope this review addresses. It is at heart a straightforward action puzzle game that merits from being played when you only have a small window of time. The high score table being the driving force for repeated play once all the unlocks have been achieved.

In short I rather liked it - one to pick up if it appeals or is in a sale.

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Splashy Cube is out now for the Nintendo Switch and be bought now on Nintendo’s eShop Store.

This copy was provided by No Gravity Games and was played on the original Nintendo Switch console in handheld mode.

Mike Plays Creepy Tale on Nintendo Switch - Released Today

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Creepy Tale is out TODAY on the Nintendo Switch.

Find out the dark story that befell the once-calm and peaceful forest, turning it into a terrifying place filled with otherworldly evil. Solve the secrets of the forest and save your brother!

Obversion is Coming to Steam Jan 28, 2020

Obversion game

Obversion Adds New Levels of Depth and Thinking to Indie Puzzle Games

Obversion is an indie first-person puzzle game from developer Adrian Marple (Marplebot). A former Google developer, Adrian's debut title echoes his passions for philosophy, geometry, and thought-provoking puzzles.

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You can follow Obversion over on its Twitter page and also find out more information about the game.

Obversion is scheduled to release on Steam on January 28, 2020.

Teslagrad Nintendo Switch Review

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Teslagrad Powered by Nintendo Switch

Teslagrad by Rain Games was first shown in 2013 and since then its become available on a whole host of formats over the years, and now the Nintendo Switch.

December the 7th marks the release of the Nintendo Switch version but is it worth another visit?

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You control a young boy who's found himself being chased by the Kings guards, ultimately forcing you into the surrounding area of the Teslagrad Tower and within. The game itself doesn't showcase what you're doing or even where to go, apart from slight hints but that's what makes this puzzle-platformer such a joy to play.

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Throughout the game you'll gain new abilities that will help you explore and solve at first, confusing and 'how do I do this?' puzzles but without instructions. As a handheld version the concept really does work, pickup, play and continue where you left off. This is what makes the game fun to play and enjoyable.

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Switching to docked mode and replacing the joy-con remotes with a pro controller will help you out in the later levels, some parts get very tricky as you're ability to change power-ups and precise movements are key but Teslagrad feels at home on the Nintendo Switch.

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The hand-drawn environments and art style of Teslagrad, along with it's what appear to be mind bending puzzles transform onto the Switch perfectly. Addition of the handheld mode on the Switch, this is the best version of Teslagrad.

Death Squared Coming to Nintendo Switch on July 13th

Death Squared the co-op puzzle game by SMG Studio is coming to Nintendo Switch on July 13th. The game is already released on PC, PS4 and Xbox One but this month you'll be able to get your Death Squared on in a portable manner!

Get puzzled with Death Squared on March 14th

Love puzzle games? Team up with a few friends and conquer Death Squared for PC, MAC, Playstation 4 and XBOX One on March 14th.

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Does anyone actually read these descriptions? They do? And there's someone reading right now? Well, in that case: Death Squared is a cooperative puzzle game for 1, 2 or 4 players, best enjoyed with loved ones who don't mind a little arguing for the greater good.

Prove your teamwork skills in Death Squared as you solve puzzles together or die trying! Each player needs to guide a robot to a colour-coded goal, but the path is beset with deadly traps and hazards. Teams of players will need close observation and communication to keep each other alive and discover a solution together.

Complete the main campaign in single player or with two players, then take a group into four-player Party Mode for the ultimate teamwork trial! For those that can't get enough, head to the 'Vault' to find extra experiments recommended only for the brave.

Features:

 

  • a micro-journey of: surprise > discovery > mastery > success

  • All players on the board share in that collective journey as they each play a vital role in the discovered solution.
  • 2 Player Story Mode
  • 4 Player Party Mode