Polarium

"Is this the new Tetris? No quite, but definatly well worth a look"

Polarium

Intro: Welcome to my first attempt at a review, I hope you like it!

Polarium on DS is Nintendo's attempt to match what Tetris did for the Game Boy. Did it work? Let's find out.

Game play

The core of any game, let alone a puzzler, Polarium delivers game play for any kind of gamer. Much like Tetris, it relies on the player getting a full line of the playing screen as the same colour, therefore destroying the blocks. With Challenge mode, it is a frantic quick-thinking rush to clear lines before the next bunch falls. For the more casual gamer, there is the devilish Puzzle mode. With no time constraints, puzzles are much more difficult and can be incredibly hard at later stages. the added bonus of an ‘Edit' mode, where you can make your own puzzle, makes this game great for anybody wanting a decent puzzler.

Overall: 9/10

Graphics

Nothing special, as is to be expected. Some nice effects but nothing jaw dropping.

Overall: 7/10

Sounds

Once again, nothing great. If you play this on low volume you wont even notice. The sum total of effects is the ‘bop' that is sounded when you select something on the menu. The background music adds a little bit of atmosphere, but as I said it will make no difference to the game when played at low volume levels.

Overall: 6/10

Lifespan

Polarium's three modes offer plenty of comeback-ability. For Puzzle mode, you'll want to get the 100% completion of each of the 100 levels. For Challenge, you'll want to beat your own score again and again. And if its your mates score, even more so. If that doesn't bring you back, then the ability to create and even swap puzzles with your friends will bring you back for more when you have a get together.

Overall: 9/10

Multi player

As I have touched upon already, the multi player in this game is rather good. The main draw is the swapping of custom made puzzles. You'll never give up until that puzzle your best friend gave you is completed. There is also a versus mode, where I believe that you go head to head with your opponent. I have not been able to try this mode out though.

Overall: A provisional 8/10 I need to get the chance to try out the versus though.

Final Thoughts

This game is well worth the £20 it costs (around $40) as opposed to the £30 ($55) of most other DS games. Definitely a purchase rather than a rental though, this game is addictive. While not being as ground breaking as Tetris was, it is a more than solid puzzler for all gamers.

Final Score: 8/10

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 03/14/05