Review: Chuzzle - Plus Video Review
by Staff Writer
December 11, 2009
Overview
Chuzzle is the fourth PC tile ported to the iPhone by PopCap. Chuzzle is a match three game where you drag entire rows or columns of chuzzle to line them up so any three are at least touching. This is an exact port of the PC version with the same four gameplay modes, and all of the awards.
Features
Chuzzle features special chuzzle that fall in occassionally. Large chuzzle take up the same space as four individual chuzzle, and when you drag rows it shows. Super chuzzle are spawned by making a match of five or more, and they explode when popped, clearing a hefty part of the board. Locks are thrown on random chuzzle which locks the movement of the entire row/column that chuzzle is in.
Four gameplay modes are included. Classic chuzzle is just basic match three, but with the specific chuzzle movement pattern. Speed mode amps up the game, by adding locks to chuzzle every few seconds.
Zen mode as the name suggests is just relaxing chuzzle popping without time constraints, or the craziness of the main game. Finally mind bender mode gives you an arrangement of chuzzle, and a main image you have to match.
The Good
Chuzzle’s outstanding match three gameplay is now on the iPhone. It’s such a change of pace, and so unique to drag entire rows or columns of chuzzle to make a match. The entire game field is in play, and every chuzzle is connected.
When one is locked the entire row, and column is locked. Also chuzzle has so much action for a mtach three puzzle game as new chuzzle fall in, making huge combos. It’s great to be able to make matches of just three touching rather than having to be in a row or column.
Four very different gameplay modes are included to give you plenty of time with this game depending on how you’re feeling. Speed mode is supremely hectic as new locks are thrown on every few seconds. Mind bender mode changes it completely by actually giving you puzzles to solve while using the chuzzle movement technique.
Chuzzle is really well polished at launch, and plays smoothly. All of the chuzzle falling in, sliding around, and popping with puffs of fuzz all go off without a hitch. Then there’s overlayed stars, and writing that pops out on top of that. Each chuzzle is just so cute, and then they pop so sadly. It's just an explosion of color with every move.
The actual chuzzle music is included from the PC version, though the soundtrack is pretty annoying. All of the little chuzzle make their characteristic noises adding to their level of cuteness. A neat little feature is that you can interact with the chuzzle by double tapping for them to sneeze, and then if you do it repetitively they blast off all their fur.
Local achievements/awards are included that provide more incentive to keep playing other than just loving the gameplay. There are tons of awards, and vary widely to do all types of things in the game from reaching certain combos, popping multiple super chuzzle, or reaching given scores.
One small thing worth mentioning is that it’s just so much easier, and more natural to drag the chuzzle with your finger rather than your mouse.
The Bad
Online high scores aren’t included, but do they need to be for a game to be good. I personally don’t need to see my name ranked online in the hundreds or even thousands.
At first take $4.99 may seem like a lot for a match three game. $4.99 is a great price in Chuzzle’s case as you get the full PC version for the go for $5 instead of $20.
The Verdict
Chuzzle finally has come to the App Store, with all the goodness of the PC version. The four gameplay modes are all top notch, and Chuzzle moves near the top of the list of the best match three games in the App Store. Chuzzle is simply one of the most fun puzzle games around, and now it’s in the App Store.
Chuzzle is a must buy at $4.99 as it has everything you could want in a match three, and more. This is PopCap’s best iPhone port to date with everything running exactly like the PC counterpart, just made for the go.