• Review: Columns Deluxe (iOS)

    by
    Kris "Kayris" Cullen
    Published on 12-29-2009 04:51 PM
    0 Comments Comments
    http://i.imgur.com/w6Sqd.png

    Columns Deluxe

    Developer: Sega
    Publisher: Sega
    Platform: iOS (iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad)
    Genre: Puzzle
    Rating: 4+
    elease Date: May 30th, 2008

    This puzzle game is actually a two for one deal that includes both Columns and Puyo Pop. The both games require you to strategically color match either gems (in the case of Columns) or Puyos (in the case of Puyo Pop).

    Presentation
    Both games presented in Columns Deluxe are similar to Tetris with the exception of its objective, instead of completing lines you are to color match in order to get rid of combinations of lines while waiting out till the computer makes enough mistakes to lose.

    Graphics
    Columns Deluxe’s graphics are exactly that of its genesis’ counterpart due to it being a straight port. Sure this game can be fun without crisp graphics but due to the day and age we are in it would have been nice to see a bit of a clean up on this port. It’s simply lazy on Sega’s part to not do so.

    Sound/Music
    This game was completely lacking in sound and music. In both games that this package offers, the music essentially consists of only one song repeated on loop and about 3 sound effects. Nothing can be more annoying in any game than a one-minute loop going over and over again. Its understandable that twitch gaming can be this way and not be noticeable but if you’re big on puzzlers and are in it for the long haul or even just a 5 minutes of play the music will drive you insane.

    Gameplay
    To help differentiate the two games objectives exactly first I will start with Columns, the point of this game is to strategically align falling gems across, down or diagonally and not let the screen fill with gems or else its game over. In Puyo Pop, race against the clock to match color groups of cute gelatinous Puyo’s and create chain reactions as they fall. For a puzzler the game play is pretty solid except for its atrocious controls. When it comes to puzzlers like these its all about timing and precision, which are two things that developers didn’t pay much attention to when porting this title over. It’s too sensitive when you don’t want it to be and its non responsive when you need sensitivity. This takes out the whole fun in playing the game when you can’t get the game to do what you want it to.

    Lasting Appeal
    I can’t really say this game has much of lasting appeal when you can’t get it do control right, but for most people on the go I can say this is a game you will look at once in a blue moon and then come to the realization as to why you stopped playing it in the first place.

    Conclusion
    All in all stay away from this app, there are plenty more apps for the same price that are enjoyable, offer a lot more, and are exactly the same in objective.

    Score:
    2.5/10

  • Review Scale

    Score 10- Flawless Victory: A score not handed out to every game. Games earning this rare score sit at the very pinnacle of excellence. These games act as the examples for which all others should be measured with. They are instant classics from the beginning. These games not only deliver what was expected of it, but also exceed the player’s expectations. The game’s features are innovative and original. No game is without its absolute flaws, but the finished product you bring home surpasses the anticipation the game has formed. A day one buy is a must. The game you hold in your hands with this score is a video game jackpot.

    Score 9 - 9.5- Outstanding: Games earning scores such as these absolutely must be played. Games that achieve this high ranking do so because they define the genres that they are in. Flaws are few and barely noticeable. Features seen in the game have been renovated to provide something new and fresh. The story, gameplay, graphics, and lasting appeal are all fantastic and is reason enough to bring the game home and to enjoy with family and friends. Every penny you spend on the game is so worth it.

    Score 8 - 8.5- Great: Any flaw the game may possess is overshadowed by its fun factor. These games would be great for gamers to play. These great games appeal to gamers more and more outside its normal player base because of what it brings to the table.

    Score 7 - 7.5- Good: Flaws do exist in these games, but the positive features of the game can counterbalance the flaws. Additionally, players who are predisposed to liking a game of a particular series or genre with this score should enjoy the game. These are in no way bad games, and much fun can be had with them. An overall good game is worth taking a look at, whether you are willing to buy the game or rent it first. That or you can also wait for the game to reach a good price.

    Score 6 - 6.5- Decent: Games falling into this category may suffer from numerous flaws (for example, graphics or gameplay), but are still worth playing. Granted, the player should be aware that a game with these scores may not guarantee them full satisfaction.

    Score 5 - 5.5- Average: An average game is one in which a game’s features are neither good nor completely terrible. Instead, the finished product is manageable. Little has been done to hold the player’s interest. If anything, rent this game before you consider buying it so that you can at least get a feel for the game’s overall experience.

    Score 4 - 4.5- Poor: Games falling into this category may only keep gamers entertained for a short while. While the game may seem enjoyable for moments at a time, it can quickly grow old and may never be revisited again. The game’s overall function is lacking in quality and may not hold the player’s attention for long. The game leaves little or nothing else to return back to.

    Score 3 - 3.5- Bad: If any positive qualities about a game in this category exist, it is not enough to redeem the game for its shortcomings. Sure you may find yourself playing it, but for how long? You will wind up not giving the game a second glance.

    Score 2 - 2.5- Horrible: Games such as these may not be totally unplayable, they nearly are. Additionally, they may lack, or greatly suffer in, the fundamental functionality of the software as a whole. The game simply does not come close to meeting industry standards at the time of its release.

    Score 1 - 1.5- Appalling: Gamers should avoid this game at all costs. The game was clearly not ready to make its way to store shelves in its status. Save your money and find something else. See it in the bargain bin? No! Stay away! Keep moving and look for something else.