Game Review by Tim Peters
Game Rating = 3/5 Balls
Download Free Game Trial
Buy The Game Now $19.99
System Requirements
* Windows 98, ME, NT4, 2000, XP, 2003, Vista or better
* Pentium 300 or better
* 128 MB RAM
* 150 MB hard disk space
When it comes to imported logic puzzles from Japan, Sudoku is king. But Lobstersoft’s Gemsweeper seeks to take advantage of the largely-untapped market for picross puzzles (named after the superb Picross DS). These paint-by-number puzzles have hardcore fans in North America and Europe, but have been largely ignored by the mainstream market. Gemsweeper attempts to present picross in a more accessible format, and does a decent job. On the other hand, diehard picross fans will be disappointed by iffy controls, lack of game variations and a lackluster presentation.
Download Free Game Trial
Buy The Game Now $19.99
GAMEPLAY
If you’ve never played picross before, Gemsweeper teaches the basics well. Each of the 225+ levels presents a grid and a series of numerical clues. Just find the good blocks and smash the bad ones before time runs out. Incorrect moves are instantly pointed out, and cost time or items. This may turn off seasoned puzzlers, who would prefer to keep that element of uncertainty from the pen-and-paper version. Worse, even if you’ve correctly solved all the rows in a puzzle, the clock won’t stop until you’ve correctly guessed every single block. That will turn off just about anyone.
CREATIVITY & INNOVATION
The story, with an ancient god Topex asking for help restoring ancient temples, is bland but not embarrassing. Professor McGuffog (the token assistant) chimes in frequently with advice, most of which is quite helpful. The bonus levels are an inventive arcade twist on the traditional picross, with lines that disappear once solved. However, other than that one twist, there’s nothing especially unique about Gemsweeper’s mechanics or presentation.
Download Free Game Trial
Buy The Game Now $19.99
GRAPHICS
The grids of Gemsweeper are crisply-drawn, and while some highlighting would’ve helped, there’s rarely a problem determining which block to go after next. The backgrounds are adequate; not garish, not masterpieces. And the animations are neither too distracting nor too elaborate. In short, the graphics are just interesting enough to get across basic information.
SOUND
There are a grand total of three music tracks, none of which are any good. The sounds fare better, though some variety in the hammer smashes would’ve been nice. Again, Gemsweeper relays just enough information to keep gamers from falling into a hypnotic trance.
Download Free Game Trial
Buy The Game Now $19.99
CONCLUSION
Lobstersoft puts together plenty of good ideas, but falls short in catering to both hardcore and casual gamers with Gemsweeper. It could have benefited greatly from a better presentation, more ways to play, and extra solving tools. Gamers unfamiliar with picross won’t be outright disappointed by Gemsweeper, but more polish would have made it into a sparkling gaming jewel capable of competing with far superior games on the Nintendo DS and Wii.
3/5
BUY THIS GAME IF…
- You’re new to picross puzzles
- The idea of a fast-paced picross variant intrigues you
- You don’t need a lot of bells and whistles with your puzzle games
DO NOT BUY THIS GAME IF…
- Logic puzzles don’t interest you
- You own a Nintendo DS or Wii
- You dislike cringe-worthy puns
