Puzzled

• Release Date: March 09, 2001
• Genre: Puzzle
• Style: Action Puzzle
• Similar Games: Logical (Game Boy Color), Klustar (Game Boy Color), Trouballs (Game Boy Color)

Game Description

Puzzled has you controlling a tiny blob in his attempt to remove pairs of tiles from 150 different screens. Each board consists of tiles inscribed with various shapes such as circles, triangles, lightning bolts, and so forth. Only by creating a shimmering clone of himself (which moves in one direction) can he pair the runes properly, lining up and sliding the tiles through space as needed. As each level is completed, demo sequences will help the player deal with new twists and obstacles. Complete all 150 challenges and the character will be freed of his blob state and be able to save the galaxy once more. A password feature allows players to resume their progress at a later time.

Review: Overall

Puzzled is not your typical puzzle game. Gameplay is difficult to grasp at first, so reading the instruction booklet cover-to-cover is a must. Players should also take time to watch the demo movies, as they will make things clearer. Once a player is accustomed to the rules, things improve.

The basic idea is that certain tile blocks can be dragged anywhere, while others are locked in place. Determining which tiles are moveable is done through trial and error, which often involves starting levels over and over again. Other challenges are added level by level, such as setting up bumpers for arrows to ricochet off of, or popping a balloon.

Revealing a Yin Yang symbol, for example, will change one rune shape into another, and eating a Chili Pepper gives Blob's clone movement around the entire screen. There are also crumbling blocks that must be stepped on and cleared before a level can be completed. To finish a level, players must return Blob to the starting checkered square. Yet the main aspect of the game consists of moving things around and finding out the proper, or only, way to manipulate the pieces.

The graphics are functional for this type of game. Players are treated to a delightful animation of the title character dissolving while his eyes pop out whenever the level is aborted. The tiles are generally clear and easy to see, and the Blob is quick and well animated. But that is about all the graphics consist of: tiles and the Blob.

The lack of consistency in how and which rune tiles can be moved might frustrate puzzle game fans, and while a pair of X-Ray Specs enable Blob to tell the difference between immobile and mobile blocks, they only appear ever so often. Sadly, the trial-and-error nature of some of the game's levels outweighs the various twists, taking away some of the fun. Puzzled might surprise some gamers looking for something different, but overall its mundane nature will eventually bore all but the most persistent or addicted puzzle fans.

Review: Enjoyment

Once you catch on, the game can be fun. After a while, it might lose its appeal, however.

Review: Graphics

Nothing extraordinary but they serve their purpose.

Review: Sound

The music is tolerable and the sound effects are good.

Review: Replay Value

It will take a while to beat, but few will want to go back and redo their favorite puzzles.

Review: Documentation

Very helpful but watching the demos is even better.

Production Credits