Magnetica
SCORE: 92
Nintendo takes the cake when it comes to bringing innovative games to
the masses. Magnetica follows that model to a 'T'. Marbles roll down a
twisting, and turning path (quite a few different paths actually). The
player uses the stylus on the bottom screen to launch marbles trying to
make three (or more) marbles of the same color touch. When that happens
the marbles go away. That means the hole left contracts, which can lead
to some exciting combinations. This simple concept is complicated by the
many different paths the game has within it, and of course where the
marble launcher(s) is on the screen. If the marbles make it to the end
of the path, well that is game over. Magnetica requires a mix of speed,
skill, pattern recognition, and luck.
Graphically Magnetica is extremely bright and colorful. Even though
the marbles are generally specific colors it reminded me of playing with
marbles as a kid. Those were some of the happiest days of my childhood.
The details are done nicely, and the artwork has a futuristic feel to
it. Wholesome images are also used properly in Magnetica. The polish on
the graphics is very evident.
The sounds are crisp, and clear in this game. The music is pleasant,
and works well in Magnetica. The theme of marbles is carried out quite
well in the sound department. There was nothing offensive this reviewer
found in the sound department.
The ninety-nine levels in challenge mode will keep most gamers busy
for months (unless they are playing it 24/7). On top of that there are
sixty different missions in Quest mode. But that is not all, Magnetica
also includes a puzzle mode, and local wireless to compete with other
gamers. In this reviewers humble opinion this game is worth the price of
admission.
The controls in Magnetica are quick, and responsive. It takes a few
minutes to figure out the control scheme, but once it is - it works
beautifully. Some of the levels are imaginative to the Nth degree. Other
levels are challenging to the point of pulling out ones hair out. All in
all Magnetica is a fun little game, that has the same pros and cons of
most other puzzle games on the market.
Has anyone else noticed that puzzle games have come back with a
vengeance this year? There are puzzle games all over the place, on a lot
of different machines. Magnetica is part of Nintendo's Touch Generations
line-up. The main lesson we discovered in Magnetica is perseverance. The
matching colors is a nice practice that surely must stimulate some part
of the brain in a good way (hopefully we are not reaching with that
ascertain). This game was a joy to play, and review. Magnetica is the
kind of game that is safe for the entire family, and is one that this
reviewer would recommend to a pastor. The only potentially problematic
aspect of this game is a Bonus slots that rewards the player with
points. We never were able to get it working, and thus were never
rewarded with extra points in that regard. It is also a small part of
this otherwise stellar video game.
- Yolanda
Graphics: 92%
Sound: 89%
Replay/Extras: 96%
Gameplay: 90%
Family Friendly Factor: 93%
System: Nintendo DS
Publisher: Nintendo
Rating: 'E' for Everyone
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