Publisher: Cipher Prime Studios

Fractal: Make Blooms Not War (2011)

by Nish
written by Nish 4 minutes read

Summary

Fractal: Make Blooms Not War: A Cerebral Odyssey

From the award-winning team that brought you Auditorium and Pulse: Volume One comes Fractal, an enthralling music puzzler experience that will test your skills and expand your consciousness.

Gameplay

Fractal is a unique and challenging puzzle game that combines rhythm, strategy, and a touch of chaos. The goal of the game is to push, combo, and chain your way through a pulsing technicolor dreamscape, all while expanding your consciousness at 130 BPM.

The game is played on a grid of hexagonal tiles, each of which contains a different color and shape. To move a tile, simply push it in the direction you want it to go. When you push a tile, it will move one space in that direction, and any tiles that are adjacent to it will also move one space in the same direction.

The goal of each level is to create a chain of tiles of the same color. When you create a chain of three or more tiles, they will disappear and you will score points. The longer the chain, the more points you will score.

Fractal features three unique and challenging game modes:

  • Bloom: In Bloom mode, you must create chains of tiles to make flowers bloom. The flowers will then release spores, which you can use to create even more flowers.
  • Chain: In Chain mode, you must create chains of tiles to reach the goal at the end of the level. The goal will move around the level, so you must be quick and strategic in your thinking.
  • Combo: In Combo mode, you must create chains of tiles to score points. The more chains you create in a row, the higher your score will be.

Graphics and Sound

Fractal features amazing HD-quality graphics that are both beautiful and psychedelic. The game’s visuals are constantly evolving, and the colors and shapes will change depending on the music that is playing.

The soundtrack to Fractal is also top-notch. The game features an ever-evolving soundtrack that will keep you moving and grooving. The music is perfectly synchronized with the gameplay, and it creates a truly immersive experience.

Replayability

Fractal is a game that you can play over and over again. The game features procedurally generated levels, so you will never play the same level twice. Additionally, the game’s three different game modes offer a variety of challenges to keep you entertained.

Conclusion

Fractal: Make Blooms Not War is a must-play for fans of music puzzle games. The game’s unique and challenging gameplay, amazing graphics and sound, and high replayability make it a truly unforgettable experience.

9/10

Review Score

8.5/10

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Splice (2012)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 6 minutes read

Summary

Splice (2012): A Microbe-Splicing Puzzler

Splice is a 2012 puzzle game developed by Cipher Prime and published by Microsoft Studios. The game is available on Xbox Live Arcade, Windows Phone, and Windows 8.

In Splice, players control a group of microbes that can be spliced together to create new microbes with different properties. The goal of the game is to splice the microbes together in a way that creates a specific strand structure in a limited number of moves.

The game features over 100 levels, each with a different strand structure to create. The levels start out simple, but they quickly become more challenging. Some levels require players to splice the microbes together in a specific order, while other levels require players to use the environment to their advantage.

Splice is a challenging and addictive puzzler that will test your logic and strategy skills. The game is perfect for casual gamers and puzzle enthusiasts alike.

Gameplay

Splice is played on a grid-based board. The player controls a group of microbes that can be moved around the board. The microbes can be spliced together to create new microbes with different properties.

The microbes come in four different colors: red, blue, green, and yellow. Each color has a different property. Red microbes can move horizontally, blue microbes can move vertically, green microbes can move diagonally, and yellow microbes can move in any direction.

The goal of the game is to splice the microbes together in a way that creates a specific strand structure. The strand structure is shown at the top of the screen. The player must splice the microbes together in the correct order and orientation to create the strand structure.

The player has a limited number of moves to complete each level. The number of moves varies depending on the level. If the player runs out of moves, they can restart the level.

Levels

Splice features over 100 levels, each with a different strand structure to create. The levels start out simple, but they quickly become more challenging.

Some levels require players to splice the microbes together in a specific order. For example, one level requires the player to splice the microbes together to create a strand that is shaped like a square.

Other levels require players to use the environment to their advantage. For example, one level features a wall that blocks the player’s path. The player must use the microbes to create a bridge that they can use to cross the wall.

Power-Ups

Splice features a variety of power-ups that can help the player complete the levels. The power-ups include:

  • Undo: Allows the player to undo their last move.
  • Reset: Resets the level.
  • Hint: Gives the player a hint on how to complete the level.

The power-ups can be purchased using coins that are collected throughout the game.

Reception

Splice received positive reviews from critics. The game was praised for its challenging and addictive gameplay, as well as its unique and innovative concept.

  • IGN: “Splice is a clever and addictive puzzler that will test your logic and strategy skills. The game is perfect for casual gamers and puzzle enthusiasts alike.”
  • GameSpot: “Splice is a challenging and rewarding puzzler that offers a unique and innovative take on the genre.”
  • Polygon: “Splice is a must-play for fans of puzzle games. The game is challenging, addictive, and incredibly rewarding.”

Conclusion

Splice is a challenging and addictive puzzler that will test your logic and strategy skills. The game is perfect for casual gamers and puzzle enthusiasts alike. With over 100 levels to complete, Splice will keep you entertained for hours on end.

Review Score

8/10

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Auditorium (2008)

by Nish
written by Nish 6 minutes read

Summary

Auditorium (2008): A Symphony of Light and Sound

Released in 2008, Auditorium is a unique and captivating puzzle game that blends audio and visual elements to create a truly immersive experience. Developed by the independent game studio Team Hoi, Auditorium has garnered critical acclaim for its innovative gameplay, stunning visuals, and haunting soundtrack.

Gameplay

In Auditorium, the player controls a stream of light particles, guiding it through a series of levels filled with audio containers. The goal of each level is to fill all of the audio containers simultaneously, revealing the level’s full soundtrack. To fill an audio container, the player must direct the stream of particles over it, matching the color of the particles to the color of the container.

The player can change the color of the particles by manipulating them over fixed areas of the level which dye the particles as they pass through them. The player can also split the stream of particles into multiple streams, allowing them to fill multiple audio containers at once.

As the player progresses through the game, the levels become increasingly complex, requiring the player to use more advanced techniques to control the stream of particles. The game also introduces new gameplay elements, such as obstacles that can block the stream of particles and enemies that can attack the player.

Audio and Visuals

Auditorium’s audio and visuals are inextricably linked, creating a truly immersive experience. The game’s soundtrack is composed of a variety of ambient and electronic tracks that perfectly complement the game’s visuals. As the player fills each audio container, a new instrument or sound is added to the soundtrack, creating a rich and ever-evolving soundscape.

The game’s visuals are equally impressive, with a minimalist art style that is both beautiful and functional. The levels are filled with vibrant colors and geometric shapes, creating a visually stunning world that is a joy to explore.

Critical Reception

Auditorium has received critical acclaim from both critics and players alike. The game has been praised for its innovative gameplay, stunning visuals, and haunting soundtrack. Many critics have compared Auditorium to other classic puzzle games, such as Tetris and Lumines, but отмечают, что Auditorium has its own unique identity.

Legacy

Auditorium has been hailed as a groundbreaking game that has pushed the boundaries of the puzzle genre. The game’s unique blend of audio and visual elements has inspired a new generation of game developers, and its influence can be seen in a number of recent puzzle games.

Auditorium is a must-play for fans of puzzle games, audiophiles, and anyone who appreciates innovative and beautiful games. The game is available on a variety of platforms, including PC, Mac, and iOS.

In-Depth Analysis

Gameplay Mechanics

Auditorium’s gameplay mechanics are deceptively simple, yet they offer a surprising amount of depth and challenge. The player must use a combination of precision and strategy to control the stream of particles and fill all of the audio containers simultaneously.

The game’s levels are carefully designed to teach the player new gameplay mechanics and challenge them to use their skills in new ways. For example, early levels introduce the basic mechanics of controlling the stream of particles and filling audio containers. Later levels introduce more complex obstacles and enemies, forcing the player to adapt their strategies.

Audio and Visual Design

Auditorium’s audio and visual design are perfectly in sync, creating a truly immersive experience. The game’s soundtrack is composed of a variety of ambient and electronic tracks that perfectly complement the game’s visuals. As the player fills each audio container, a new instrument or sound is added to the soundtrack, creating a rich and ever-evolving soundscape.

The game’s visuals are equally impressive, with a minimalist art style that is both beautiful and functional. The levels are filled with vibrant colors and geometric shapes, creating a visually stunning world that is a joy to explore.

Overall Impression

Auditorium is a truly unique and captivating puzzle game that deserves a place in the pantheon of classic games. The game’s innovative gameplay, stunning visuals, and haunting soundtrack create an immersive experience that is both challenging and rewarding. Whether you’re a fan of puzzle games, audiophiles, or simply appreciate innovative and beautiful games, Auditorium is a must-play.

Review Score

8.5/10

Art

Cover Art

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