Developer: Big Fish Games
Price: Free
Version: 1.0
App Reviewed on: iPad
Fans of the popular Patchworkz online game rejoice as it is now available for iOS and aptly named Patchworkz HD. It is a puzzle game that uses different earthly materials such as metal, fabric, stone, paper, glass and wood and mixes in some very bright and cheery colors for a unique take on the puzzle genre.
The puzzles do not feature the typical pieces that one would suspect to find on grandma’s table. The pieces are more Picasso in that they are very abstract rather than straight up jigsaw. It’s very unique and challenging. Those who get distracted easily by colors and odd shapes should steer clear as one has to look beyond them to identify the correct piece.
At first, gameplay is simple and puzzles can be finished fairly quickly, but as soon as the game levels up a few times the difficulty becomes a huge stepping stone to solving the puzzle. This is what makes the puzzle so much fun. I really enjoyed the uniqueness of trying to fit odd shaped pieces together.
There is another game mode that allows the player to try and challenge the clock in a duel of time. Again, extremely difficult with some puzzles as the colors throw the player for a loop. This is my biggest piece of advice that one should try and look beyond the colors. Sure, they’re mesmerizing, but they’re sure to distract rather than help.
The sound track is very soft and melodic and helps with concentration while trying to decipher the puzzles. For those who absolutely fall in love with this style of puzzle gaming then they’ll be happy to know that there is an in-app purchase of $4.99 that unlocks the entire game that features a lot more puzzles and even more difficult gameplay. There is plenty of gameplay before having to step up and purchase.
For its refreshing take on a pastime as old as dirt, Patchworkz HD offers a lot of mind-bending gameplay for a small amount of cash.