Building a good iPhone game is not an exact science. In fact, for every good game released it seems as though there are tens (hundreds?) of shovelware games right behind it. Many of these good games are often spread via word of mouth. When we were offered the chance to take a look at Geomex it had not yet registered on our word-of-mouth radar. With that said, within the first few moments of playing the puzzle game we felt right at home, wondering why we HADN’T heard of it yet.
Read on for our review of the puzzler, and why we think that this is the next must-have iPhone game.
The iPhone is home to several genres of games, most notably puzzle games. Each new one that arrives can often be overlooked. Geomex manages to build a canoe and stay afloat in the game flood, thanks in part to its addictive game play and intuitive mechanics. The game involves the player matching adjacent blocks of similar shapes and different colors, with a specific amount needed to match to get to the next level… or before time runs out. Several modes allow for a variety of play, with the added option of uploading and sharing high scores.
Notes
Price: $1.99
Players: 1
System: iPhone/iTouch
Developer/Publisher: Caffeine Monster Software
Likes
– Simple game mechanic: The game is simple enough to understand, yet can become incredibly challenging as the play progresses. Matching colors and shapes seems like a simple task, until the later levels begin to throw in further varying blocks and hues. Easy to pick up, easy to understand. And when the blocks begin to vibrate as time is running out, my adrenlin kicks up a few notches.
– Variety of modes: While initially the modes seemed similar, I was able to enjoy each one’s unique attributes. For instance the Clear mode appealed to the mathmetician in me, as I tried to determine and plan out which blocks would fall where. The Arcade mode was basic, but did not need to be anything more.
– Achievements and high scores: Not only was I battling against a live online leaderboard, but I was also tempted to try and asquire each XBox-like achievement. This is a great little addendum to iPhone games that I wish more would include. It kept me not only trying to beat my own score, but to rise in the ranks as well. Replay value FTW!
Dislikes
– Lacking visuals: The visuals of the game are meant to be simple and clean so as not to distract the user. This causes the game to appear slightly unpolished in fidelity with almost a “Flash”-like quality about it. In future updates I’d love to see some slightly-textured blocks or backgrounds to give it a little bit of “oopmh” when up against games of similar price points.
– Silence isn’t always golden: My biggest gripe is the lack of a soundtrack in the game. The silence is almost eerie, especially when the screen is shaking and the blocks vibrating.
And Finally…
Much like Tetris on the GameBoy the game can be picked up and enjoyed by anyone and everyone. Players will instantly fall in love with this little gem of a puzzler, and for $1.99 the price is perfect. I’ve been incredibly addicted to it since I first received it, finding any time possible to play it during bathroom trips, long meetings, or while cooking dinner (yes, I know I should be watching the pot). This is one of those games that feels perfect for the system it is developed for, and will remain on my iPhone for as long as I have an index finger to play it with.
Contest time!
Leave a comment on this review and let us know what your favorite iPhone/iTouch games are! The winner recieves a FREE code to download Geomex! Leave your comment by 11:59AM EST on Wednesday, June 22nd 2009. Contest open to US residents only. One entry per person.
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