Review: SlideRules
by Mchase
May 20, 2009
Overview:
SlideRules is one more puzzle game that will leave your mind twisted and broken by the end. That's not true... But, many of the levels will have you thinking for a few minutes at the very least. The basic object of the game is to get specific numbers in green circles. Sounds easy, you say? I beg to differ.
Features:
SlideRules offers a few ways to spark your synapses. A tutorial will first teach you how to play the game - this is necessary, otherwise you'll be completely lost. After that's taken care of, you can play Classic mode, where you work your way though increasingly challenging levels. As the level increases, the game offers more choices for movement of your rows and columns, thus making it far more difficult. Special tiles are also put in play as you level up. Expert mode, which is way beyond my grasp at this point, becomes available after completion of level 10. And finally, Survival Mode gives you 5 minutes to complete as many tasks as you can. The tasks will be something like, "Fill all circles with the same number." Once that task is completed another will appear.
The Good:
So, I can handle most puzzle with little to no problems. This game, on the otherhand, borders on melting my brain - especially with all of the special tiles they throw in to screw you up. Said tiles can be anything from ghosts to bombs to magnets. Each special tile does something different to alter the movement of the numbers and rows (i.e. a ghost will mimic the movement of a parallel row and a magnet, when connected to another magnet, will cause those two rows to move as one.) It all seems so easy when you pick it up. Levels 1 through 9 aren't too challenging, but then you feel the Hammer of Confusion smash you over the head. You're probably asking why, if this game is so difficult, is all of this under "The Good." Allow me to respond to your question with another question: what's a good puzzle game if not mind boggling and, on occasion, downright frustrating? Nothing, that's what.
The Bad:
The only thing that I wasn't a fan of was the lack of a soundtrack. Sure, you need to be able to concentrate when flexing your brain muscles, but a little background noise never hurt anyone. At least give us the option to turn it on or off, know what I'm sayin'? I think you do.
The Verdict:
As a whole, this game is great for any avid puzzler. Even the price isn't too bad. Think about it, you go out and buy a puzzle book for what, $5 maybe $10? This app costs $2.99. Sounds like a deal to me. I mean, the game is what it is - a giant puzzle with numerous, sometimes incredibly difficult, levels. And there's nothing wrong with that in my book.