Chiral

Review by MI4 REAL

"It's gotta be funky!"

This Ambrosia software title is a unique puzzle type game called Chiral. The objective is to create a number of stable molecules of a certain atom number (2 Molecules of 6 Atoms Each for example) . You got 4 types of normal atoms, that have 1-4 bond requirements. When you make a stable molecule, all the atoms are satisfied. There are some special ones included too. I can't get too descriptive here, or it will be more of a FAQ than a review. Lets see what I thought of the game.

Gameplay-7
Although this game will not help you learn science, you can have still have fun playing it. The gameplay is a bit repetitive, since you only really make 2 Molecules of 6 Atoms each, and 3 Molecules of 10 Atoms Each, then a bonus round for a ''Schzapp'' which clears your vial of atoms should it overflow. (You lose if you overflow with no Schzapp in inventory)

The game gets a bit harder, as walls are introduced where atoms cannot bond through, only around. And if you complete a certain number of levels, the game increases speed and takes you back to the first level. Speed can be changed at the title page to one of 5 different settings. High scores are saved.

Sound-8
You know, having a case of reviewers block does not really help me here. But I can say outright that I did like the sound from this game. There isn't a lot of sound, but what they do have is good. Informative enough?

Graphics-8
Rendered. Most of the graphics are backgrounds for the different levels, and good ones at that. I can't really say they are too 3-D, just rendered.

Playability-10
All you need to do is learn how to count and learn the basics and you're well on your way to playing Chiral. No graphic images or vulgar language for you, sorry! Except if you have people enter vulgar names on the scoreboard. (haha) If that is done, you can simply wipe the scoreboard clean at will.

Replay Value-4
Well I can't say that there is enough variety in this game to redeem itself here, as you pretty much do the same 26 or so levels over and over again. But hey, you can't be perfect, right? If the going gets boring, increase the speed. Or go for the highscore and then you can Shift+Command+3 the scoreboard to take a screenshot, print it out, and brag.

Music-8
A really good track. I believe Ambrosia tells you where they get their tracks (I believe you can find the answer in their game Swoop)Kinda upbeat and pleasing to the ear. It's generally well suited to the game and it's environment.

Download it?
It's worth a try. I think there would be quite a few people semi-addicted to this game, but I wouldn't expect it to last for a very very long time. Worth the $15 shareware fee? Not quite, more like $7-10 if you ask me

System requirements
System 7.5.3 recommended, 10MB Hard disk space, 16+MB of RAM recommended.

Game Info
Science-themed puzzle game. Shareware $15

Company Info
Ambrosia Software

Saving
Highscores are saved. You can find the score save in the preference folder (Hard Disk/System Folder/Preferences)

Overall-7
A great game to play, but the lasting appeal is highly questionable.