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»Klax
"Here's a puzzle game you've never heard of!"
There seemed to be something of a trend at some point in the early 90’s. After the massive success of Tetris
on the Game Boy in 1989, several developers tried making the next big
puzzle hit. Sure, many games still have followings to this day (like Puyo Puyo or Bust-A-Move), but others have fallen into obscurity. Games like Klax, developed by Tengen, who also made their own version of Tetris for the NES, which is both unlicensed and hard to find. Klax seems to follow suit with most other off-shoots of the Tetris legacy, opting to an objective of matching colors than clearing lines. Klax is probably nowhere near the top of the heap when it comes to puzzle games, but it’s still a pretty nice diversion.
Klax is quite similar to most
“stack-‘em-up” puzzlers. This time, as opposed to coming down in pairs
(or even triads), the blocks come down one-by-one. Each block rolls
down from the back of the pseudo-3D platform which constitutes the top
of the screen. There is a catch however: players take control of a
paddle, which must catch the blocks. If the paddle isn’t directly
aligned with the block as it falls off of the top, it falls into the
abyss. While this may not seem like such a big deal, anywhere from
three to five drops spells instant death. Considering the fact that
players are only allowed three continues only makes matters worse.
Of
course, that paddle can only hold 5 blocks at a time, so it’s up to the
player to drop them down onto the actual playing field, which can hold
25 blocks in all (5 rows by 5 columns). In order to get rid of these
pesky blocks, the player must put them in a line of at least three, be
it vertical, horizontal or even diagonal (hey, like Columns!).
There are also blocks that flash multiple colors which act like wild
cards, allowing players to complete any lines or continue them if need
be.
There’s only one game
mode, and several levels as well. Each level has its own special
objectives, such as clearing a certain number of lines or clearing a
certain number of a certain type of lines. Players are given three sets
of five levels to choose from, each of differing difficulties, and
after each set is completed, there’s another choice between another
three sets.
The graphics
in this game are somewhat well done, at least considering the game’s
age. While the menus are extremely simple, the actual playing field has
a pseudo-3D look to it, which is pretty neat, considering this game is
not only from the early 90’s, but on a handheld as well. There’s also a
choice of four different palettes from the blocks depending on your
preference.
Sound is
definitely where this game bombs. There is only one piece of music in
this game, and it’s not really even that good. Fortunately, if you
enjoy just listening to sound effects, you can turn it off on the main
menu (of course, that’s also the default setting). Sound effects, on
the other hand, are okay considering the game’s age. Unfortunately, all
that can say is that this game is better left mute than with any sound
at all.
For puzzle games,
replay is everything. While the basic gameplay engine provides a lot of
replay, even a great game can’t work alone. This leads me to the game’s
fatal flaw: there’s no variety whatsoever. Sure, playing through those
levels start out fun, but options are everything in these games. I
guess a versus mode would’ve been hard to make, but how about a puzzle
mode, like those found in other puzzle games? You know, solving a
pre-made playing field arrangement in a certain number of moves? Hell,
an endless mode would’ve definitely helped things out. But I digress.
If you’re looking for a unique take on stacking games, check out Klax. If you’re expecting something with long lasting value however, look elsewhere.
Article by: Wolfdogg
Posted on: Jul. 21st, 2007 |
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Review Recap |
| Gameplay |
| It’s fun, but the lack of variety gets a bit annoying. |
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Graphics |
| It looks okay for a game from the early 90’s, especially with the 3D-like imagery. |
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Sound |
| There’s only one piece of music, and it’s pretty bad. Sound effects are okay, though. |
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Replay Value |
| It’s a fun, unique puzzle game. I just wish there was some more variety to it. |
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