Review: Cogs - Best Puzzle Game Yet?

Overview

Cogs is a brand new game that is attempting to redefine the puzzle genre on the iPhone. We gave you a sneak peek, and now it's time for the in-depth review. Cogs is a full port of the PC title of the same name including every aspect, just made for the iPhone. In essence the game is a mock-up of sliding piece puzzles, geared type puzzles, and pipe mania/pipe dreams type puzzles. You create the mechanics for complex machines by sliding cog and pipe pieces.

Features

50 levels are included for the entire game, but you only get 10 for the original purchase price. The remaining 40 levels are in-app purchases. Every level is ranked bronze to gold based upon whether you complete it, time taken, and number of moves. A gold is worth three stars, sliver two stars, and bronze one star, and new levels are unlocked based on the total number of stars. Also included is a challenge mode which gives you two types of challenges for any level you complete in inventor mode. You need to complete a puzzle in a given time, or a given number of moves. Chillingo's new social platform Crystal is included at launch with online high scores for total stars as well as 18 achievements. Two control methods are included so you can tap to move pieces, or swipe to move pieces.

The Good

Every single puzzle included is an absolute joy to play. It truly is a puzzle game like no other with every level a different engaging challenge. Each level also presents a different item that you appreciate completing. Cogs pulls you in like no other puzzle game in the App Store giving you a wonderful experience. It feels as though you delve into the inner workings of various mechanics tinkering with the parts that make them go. It's just a few slides and taps away from connecting the spinning gears, or pipes, or both together. A really stand out feature is that most levels you're manipulating the mechanic in 3D. Just a simple two finger spin to get to the other sides of the spinning gears, and pipes. On other levels you need to complete the front and back with the different layouts on both sides, but pieces needing to be laid out in one way. The game is absolutely oozing with polish. First seen from the opening menus as they display, and change look like you're inside a clock. Then the actual levels of all the different mechanics are all masterpieces visually. Everything is rendered in 3D, with multiple layers as well. There is even a little flash at any point you touch on screen. When completing a level there is a little animation of the completed mechanic whether it's the rocket, filled balloons, or helicopter. The included soundtrack is a deluxe mix of chimes and gears with a classical music twist. It seemingly stimulates the mind to really think about these puzzles. Playing through all ten levels in inventor and both challenge modes will make it well worth $0.99. The same is true for each additional level pack, and all fifty as a whole. The inclusion of crystal is a nice added feature that helps even more with replayability. 18 extremely deluxe achievements as well as a high score table for number of stars gives you more to shoot for.

The Bad

The controls do get a little sticky occasionally. Sometimes as you try to swipe to move multiple pieces at once, the game registers it as a tap, resulting in a higher number of moves. Not to much of a concern, but a concern none the less. Be warned that after you pay the initial $0.99 you will want to buy all of the in-app purchases, and play all fifty levels. In total the game will cost $5.

The Verdict

Cogs is one of the finest made games in the App Store with equal gameplay quality to go with it. It's a puzzle game like no other that provides tons of challenge as well as enjoyment. The experience of manipulating the inner workings of mechanics is one of the best on the iPhone. For $0.99 or even $5 for all fifty levels, Cogs is a must buy. One of the best puzzle games in the App Store, that is right up there in the top tier of overall games.

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