Review: TiQal
May. 28
In TiQal players must match blocks of different colors in groups of four or more. The objective is to eliminate blocks to avoid getting topped out as they slowly inch upward. The game play will be familiar to anybody who's played Tetris (everyone on the planet) but TiQal throws in enough wrinkles to make it at least feel like Tetris: Mayan Edition. A variety of themed Power Ups - jaguar strikes, spear attacks, blow darts, screeching monkeys - provide some much needed help by wiping out blocks, and also add to the Apocalypto-like vibe. The inclusion of a story line and excellent game presentation help set this title apart from other puzzle games but some glaring weaknesses mess up the fun.
A puzzle game has to be challenging in order for it to be addictive but TiQal gives players too many chances. Power Ups bail gamers out of bad situations too easily and topping out delivers no real penalty. But the worst offender is the weak AI. TiQal doesn't get tough until its highest levels and because its so long it'll take the average gamer 4-6 hours to get there. Considering all the other choices gamers have for the genre, that's a long wait.
-Terry Terrones
CONS: AI progresses too slowly, too many of its ilk on the market already
Graphics: 4.00
Sound: 4.00
Control: 4.50
Fun Factor: 3.50
Andrew Ramsey (39)
Ian Guss (43)
Sean Ely (5)
Tae Kim (1)
Terry Terrones (160)
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