Move Mind Benders is the latest compilation from Sony, including three previously download only puzzle titles. Consisting of Tumble, Lemmings and Echochrome ii; Move Mind Benders makes use of the PlayStation Move to take the puzzle genre into the realm of motion control. Will the compilation provide great entertainment or will it leave gamers puzzled at why they brought it?
Let’s find out and kick of the HOTS and NOTS.
HOTS
Echochrome ii
Echochrome ii offers players three separate game modes for each individual level. The first mode Goal sets the player at a start point and with the task of discovering the final finish point the player must move the light around to create a shadow doorway. The classic Echo mode returns which will occasionally have players scratching their heads but this just adds the fun and challenge to Echochrome ii. The final mode is paint where players have to colour in different sections of levels while looking after the three painter shadows. Echochrome ii also offers players plenty of content to enjoy; with over 100 pre-created levels included on the disk. In addition to the pre-created levels Echochrome ii has a create level feature.
The three separate modes and the opportunity to create levels all go together to provide Echochrome ii’s replay value, as well as giving players variation and a decent challenge. While this means if players complete a level by fluke in one mode it still leaves the player well and truly puzzled on the others. Be no means is the game easy, at times players will undoubtedly be frustrated by certain puzzles but this only adds to the satisfying feeling players will get once they beat the troublesome level.
Simplicity of controls
Each game has a very simple intuitive control scheme making it is easy for any type of player to pick up and play the game; even without those without Move experience. This enables each title to be playable by anyone and also removes any possible frustration the players may have experienced from not being able to complete a certain level due to their limited understanding of the controls.
In addition all three games have easy to follow tutorials, where the game either introduces all of the features the first time the player encounters them or has a section dedicated to letting the player use different features. For example in Echochrome ii even movements of the light are explained with some rather helpful tips.
Tumble
Tumble is a puzzle based game which sets players the task of either building or destroying towers of blocks using the PlayStation Move motion controller. The Move allows players to accurately angle and place blocks of all shapes and sizes; as well as usefully being able to control the camera to view puzzles from all angles.
The concept sounds at best mediocre but players will soon find themselves painstakingly trying to balance that last oddly shaped item on the top of their tower to achievement the highest medal. Of course the game isn’t just about building upwards the second best mode on offer is the destruction mode. Players are given a set number of mines which they must stick onto a constructed tower before detonating and destroying the tower for points. This mode is a fresh break from the otherwise tense atmosphere created by the other building puzzle modes as it brings in fun entertaining levels for players to enjoy.
Another mode which is on offer revolves around the art of balancing the most rather than the height of the constructed tower. This mode gives players items of various shapes and sizes, from standard rectangles and prisms to half-spheres and even egg shaped items. On one hand the mode is something completely different squeezing all the items onto a surface but on the other the basic principles of balance are carefully retained: which is a common realistic theme that is carried through-out the title.
Lemmings
In this outing the classic Lemmings gameplay is brought into the land of motion controls and while it seems to provide little in the way of a difference, the series basics are here on force. The colourful and appealing presentation is better than ever, not to mention the simplicity that gamers have come to love.
Lemmings starts with a tutorial like section where players get to try out all the different roles that the game has to offer. This allows players to know how to use to complete set of skills before attempting any of the games real puzzles and believe me it is best to do the tutorial even if it is just to refresh your memory.
The game offers plenty of fun yet challenging levels to attempt; the games motto should be if at first you don’t succeed try and try and possible still try again. Trial and error is possibly the best tool to use in Lemmings, especially as levels become increasingly more complex. Lemmings manages to hit the nail on the head when it comes to the puzzles with players truly feeling content after completing one of the later levels.
Apart from the Lemmings core gameplay that will draw players in, the game also offers a number of new intriguing features for players to get to grips with. Players won’t just be digging, climbing and mining like they used to when the cloning machine and teleportation device comes into play. The old gameplay is kept fresh by these new additions and alongside the online leaderboards which will let players compete with friends, Lemmings offers ample amounts of entertainment value to any puzzle fan.
NOTS
All are previously released
If you already own one of the three games the bundle does naturally lose a lot of its attraction rather quickly. While the concept of making a bundle of three move puzzle titles is great, fans of the genre will most likely already have at least one of the three games. If the bundle had been released nearer the games’ release dates I’m sure it would have had better success.
Verdict
Overall Move Mind Benders is a great concept that brings three smaller Move puzzle titles together. Echochrome ii, Lemmings and Tumble add up to be a rather interesting bundle, offering plenty of fun but hard challenges along the way. Players will mostly find they have a favourite early on but all three still provide plenty of entertaining content. If you own the PlayStation Move and you’re a fan of puzzle games this bundle is for you; unless you already own one of the titles.
[Editor’s Note: Move Mind Benders was reviewed on the PS3. The game was provided to us by the publisher for review purposes.]
