Chains
Match 3 Games, Puzzle Games March 14th, 2009
(2 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5)
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While many match 3 games are already investing more on 3D graphics and in-depth storylines due to the lack of variety in challenge, the Chains game focuses more in providing many ways on how you can enjoy greatly the concept of match 3 in a retro 2D interface. And now, we get to explore this IGF contender further in a review to clarify what I mean from the earlier statement.
Chains is actually the prototype game made from the 2D engine and framework named AGen. It is a physics driven game with a simple rule to play: just link 3 or more adjacent bubbles together to form chains and clear them off from each level. It is composed of 20 levels only but even though it’s a relatively short game to play, it makes up for it in innovation and variety to the standard match 3 gaming composed of just repetitive game play mechanics.
As a matter of fact, each level of Chains presents you with a different objective for you to get through in order to move on to the next stage. Linking bubbles together is mostly the name of the game, but expanding from that idea, you’ll also be tasked to prevent bubbles from getting lost, keep making bubbles chains within a span of time, and maintain bubble flow in the level just to name a few. And with the difference in mechanics, you’re sure to experience something unusual and exciting as you progress through the game.
What amazed me further is how physics plays a major role in this game. Gravity and magnetism is emphasized greatly on all levels and as you progress further, you’ll chance upon some simple machines too. Platforms supported by pulleys, levers and wedges provide a fast paced and challenging game play. However, contrary to what you might expect, some levels will need careful planning too and just randomly chaining bubbles mean certain defeat.
Considering the 2D experience presented in Chains, I would say that the game has stunning graphics and music. There is certainly beauty in the game’s simplicity and the vibrant colors effectively give the game more life. Not to mention great music to accompany the smooth game play, which is provided by the Belgian electro band named Silence.
Bottom line is that I definitely enjoyed the game very much and would like to see more from the development of the AGen 2D engine. The only downside I see coming from Chains is its lack of more levels since being such an addictive game, it’s hard to stop until you finish all 20. Not that it’s an easy feat to pull, I must add.
Replayability is definitely a needed factor for games of this type and fortunately, that’s what Chains does well. In the records section, you can review the longest chain made, the most bubbles cleared and fastest completion you accomplished for each of the levels just to name a few. This way, you can challenge yourself further and replay the game as much as you like without losing much interest in playing.
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