Tesla Blocks Brings Frantic Puzzle Action To Your iPhone And iPad
Tesla Blocks ($0.99) by Playees, Inc. is a fast-paced puzzle game for your iPhone and iPad that will test your ability to think quickly and how swift your reflexes are.
I love puzzle games, though it seems that most are the same old formula – match-three, or something similar. While it’s not broken, the genre of puzzle games could use something new and refreshing. That’s where Tesla Blocks delivers.
In this cute little puzzle game with charming graphics, you must help Nick Tesla on his experiment that could change the future of alternative fuel (hey, this sounds like something we could actually use in reality). How do you help? By matching lines of colored blocks!
The controls in the game are pretty simple – just slide rows and columns with your fingers to match lines of the same-colored block. While the controls work overall, I did have some moments where it would register a different move that wasn’t the one I wanted (especially when trying to quickly move a block vertically and then horizontally). Even though it’s not really a huge deal, the controls could use a bit of fine-tuning before they’re perfect. But it’s still very playable as-is.
As you make line connections, you will get a Charge Block Fuel Cell. This power-up will explode when used in a match. It’s very wise to use these to your advantage, as they can help you clear a large chunk of the board, and getting more matches is easier after you use them (from what I’ve noticed). It’s also much easier to use these to get color clears, which will net you more points.
You’ll notice two things on the sides of the game area – to the left, you have a meter, and on the right, you have a timer. Each level is fairly quick, and you only get a certain amount of time to complete the level. But how do you complete the level? By filling up that fuel meter! Each successful match will add a bit in the meter, and once it’s full, you move on to the next level, and the time will be reset. When you reach higher levels, you’ll have to be even faster at matching blocks, otherwise you’ll find yourself in the red, literally. There is a visual indicator of when time is running low, so when you see that, start busting your butt! Otherwise, it is game over for you.
There is Game Center integration for leaderboards, however, there are no achievements. I’m a bit disappointed by this, as I love having achievements in games (it must be the gamer in me). Maybe it’s something that the developers can add in the future.
Another thing I would like to see in Tesla Blocks is more game modes. Currently, there is only one mode, and while the game is extremely fun, it can be tiring after a while. Maybe a puzzle mode, or extreme survival of some kind…really, any mode would be good to see in the game.
Despite this, Tesla Blocks is still an extremely fun little puzzle game that is worth the money (there’s also a free Lite version available). I love the visuals, and the sounds add some personality to the game.
If you’re tired of the same old match-three games, then try this one out. You’ll be pleasantly surprised, and may find yourself laughing like a mad scientist like Nick Tesla.
