Puzzle Quest Galactrix
Score: 86% ESRB: Everyone 10+ Publisher: D3 Developer: Infinite Interactive Media: Cartridge/1 Players: 1 - 2 Genre: Puzzle
Graphics & Sound: Although branded with the Puzzle Quest name, Puzzle Quest Galactrix is a more than a re-skinned version of the original. Although it retains several of the first game's core concepts, it also makes a number of adjustments to the formula, though not all are successful. Galactrix doesn't rank among some of the DS's best when it comes to visuals, though it doesn't disappoint either. Both the character portraits and blocks look great and are easy to see, but the screen layout will probably cause a few problems for both newcomers and veterans. The layout of the top screen is easy to follow, but the shifting bottom screen (which displays the weapons for the active user) makes it hard to formulate a battle strategy based on what your opponent is packing. Sound is okay, though you won't miss much by turning it down, or off. Background music fits the game perfectly, though the way to enjoy it is by using headphones. It doesn't sound that bad when coming through the DS's speakers, but it does lose some of it's impact.
Gameplay: As a freshly minted recruit from the MRI Corporation, you are given the task of tracking down a group of space pirates who have been raiding mining ships. The task isn't the most glamorous, but as these things usually go, it eventually leads to something much grander, eventually bringing you face-to-face with universe-threatening evil. Compared to the first game, the story is much better. There are a handful of story scenes that convey the action, while the rest is handled through dialogue balloons. Though nothing mind-blowing, it does what it has to and doesn't get in the way of the core gameplay. Everything you do in Puzzle Quest Galactrix involves puzzles. In addition to numerous combat situations, you'll also use the color-matching puzzles to hack jump gates that grant you access to different solar systems, haggle with traders and create new weapons and ships. Each uses the same basis, but with slight twists. For example, mining requires you to match specific block types while avoiding other, immovable blocks while hacking jump gates asks you to clear out specific color combinations in a short amount of time.
Difficulty: There's an impressive number of mutations and variations of the concept to keep your interest, though some are better than others. The harsh time limits imposed while hacking jump gates don't mix that well with the seemingly random patterns of blocks re-entering the board. These segments are not impossible, though I usually had to play through them 3 - 4 times before clearing them. There's a certain level of quick thinking and skill involved; but at the same time you have to be lucky. A majority of the puzzles involve combat. Although the board layout has changed, the first game's notoriously high difficulty level is still around in full force. It isn't uncommon to find yourself in a bad spot quickly while computer-controlled ships get all of the breaks. Even with the more powerful ship, there are no easy battles. However, if battles are giving you trouble there's always some way to gain experience, whether though side-quests in the Story Mode or by going through Multiplayer and Quick Play matches.
Game Mechanics: The more noticeable shake-up to the Puzzle Quest formula is the game board, which resembles the XBLA game Hexic more than Bejeweled. Although the board may look different, it still uses the same core, match-three-or-more gameplay. The biggest change comes from how blocks are replaced. Rather than dropping from top to bottom, blocks will also come in from the sides or bottom depending on how you match them. It's confusing at first and though you'll eventually get a feel for how the fall patterns work, it never feels completely comfortable. Chance has always had it's place in the series, but with the new system, it can sometimes feel like a little too much is given to chance, which helps to create a "cheap" feel when taking on the computer. Clearing like-colored blocks still rewards you with colored energy for attacks but Puzzle Quest Galactrix alters things just a bit. Rather than choosing a specific class, attacks are based on how you outfit your ship. Early on, you are limited to a handful of parts, but as you travel the universe, you'll uncover new weapons. Additionally, a new type of special block joins the damage-inflicting ones. Matching blue blocks generates shield points that will protect you from some attacks. The addition of shields adds a completely new dynamic to the flow of play. In Puzzle Quest, players would usually gun for matching up skulls, which cause direct damage. Now that shields are in play, there's a really cool "Attack or Defend?" decision-making mechanic at play. While I don't see myself buying as many versions of Puzzle Quest: Galactrix as I did the original Puzzle Quest, it is still a worthy follow-up and worth playing.
-Starscream, GameVortex Communications AKA Ricky Tucker
Patapon Watchmen: The End is Nigh Part 1