Indie tile-match games normally feature a unique twist in order to stand out among well known competition. Aenigma Os by Akies Games tries to deliver on this expectation - the problem is, it's nothing we haven't already seen before.
After selecting from one of the many game modes, you are presented with a grid filled with colourful shapes where you are required to match up lines of the same shape to gain points. The minimum required number to create a line is three of the same shape in a column or row; the limit extends to the borders of the grid. These lines can also include other shapes, but not too many. Provided there is a certain number of a particular shape per line, this is sufficient.
It's hard to appreciate the amount of modes that have been included. In each one, the common similarity is that scores must be met within certain time frames. One noticeably different option is the puzzle mode, which requires problem-solving within a certain amount of moves. Other than this, there is nothing surprising.
As routine as Aenigma Os is as a tile-match game, the positive news is it's at least functional and easy to play. The Wii U GamePad's stylus and touch screen makes it easy to create lines. Unfortunately, the sense of momentum in each session seems sporadic at best. The grid will go from featuring countless amounts of shapes of the same colour in one location and then offering near impossible matches. Like other games in this genre, if the player is struggling to find a match shapes will begin to glow to provide a hint.
Oddly, the Wii U GamePad is the only way to play this game, unless the alternative is deviously hidden. And this isn't just in terms of the control options. The controller acts as the primary screen for the game; the television screen features a screensaver of the developer's logo - no more, no less. This raises questions as to why the game has even been published on the Wii U. Aenigma Os appears to be another one of those budget titles that hopes to draw the player in for a quick game or two while they're watching a show on the television. Instead, it mostly seems like a lazy decision on the developer's part when the game doesn't even bother to make use of the television, or at the very least provide an option to play the game on the big screen.
Due to this design choice, the two player mode only uses the one controller (the GamePad) as you take turns, one at a time, to see who can create the most lines and earn the highest score. There unfortunately is no simultaneous multiplayer option. Other extras of this title include offline leaderboards, and achievements disguised as "challenges" in an attempt to prolong the experience.
The game is supported by serene visuals. As you progress through the campaign mode, basic backgrounds such as scenic beaches and forests are on display. The game appears to include just a handful of songs, however. One is reminiscent of certain other puzzle games, but not half as classy. Another has a creepy voice talking over the top of a track.
Conclusion
Aenigma Os operates as one would expect a tile-matching game to, but realistically does nothing to set itself apart from the pack. There are many other games available elsewhere that offer this type of experience, and are not half as generic. While there is plenty of content on offer, it should have been condensed into a couple of modes due to the common links between each one. This isn't a game that grows on you over time, and it's hard to respect the developer's decision to not allow the game to be played on the television screen - not to mention the questionable design choices of the two player mode.
Comments 11
What a strange name.
Never heard of this game before. Now I can go back to not knowing it.
It's too bad we don't get many puzzle action games in the style of Bust a move and Puyo Puyo. I miss playing those against people.
It reminds me of bejeweled....
@nintendolife I know your trying to warn us about bad games but can u just review the ones that look more promising and better?
I was interested in this game and review. I am glad I did not download and I often jump the gun on indies and especially puzzle games, so this helped dodged a bullet. Paying for something that does not even show on the TV is a refund demand waiting to happen.
(@msvt)
Hi there, one of the developers here.
The review is incorrect when it states there is no multiplayer mode. There is no AI opponent, and there is in fact a 2 player mode.
The reason for only playing the game on the GamePad is that using non-touchscreen controls is just too slow (we did have it in at one point)
It's not mentioned in the review, but is a really key point and unique ability - the game allows the player to choose the grid's refill
direction on a per match basis. This allows players to plan moves in advance and build really smart matches like this:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G7RNUA6mLOo
Regarding the different modes, the standard 'High Score' mode focuses on building higher quality matches based around few gaps and many
pieces as shown above, while other variants are based on different types of territory control. They play quite differently (and actually
benefit from the kinds of matches that would net very low scores in the 'High Score' mode), like here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sit5OQERH-w
I hope this helps to clear things up a little.
All the best,
Duncan
@DuncanW I'vt not played the game so I can't comment on how it plays. But I just wanted to give some hopefully constructive feedback on first impressions. You need to hire an artist, it's such a major pitfall of so many budget indie titles.
The graphics on display here are bland and uninspiring and as such make the game look that way, regardless of whether or not it is. I'm sorry if that's a bit blunt. Genuinely with a charming art style and some satisfying visual effects I think most games like this could go up a few points in the review score. They make it feel good to play.
There are lots of great examples of this already out there. Puyo Pop Fever, Peggle, Bejewelled Stars, Pokémon Picross, Lumines. Or if you want to go a more zen route there are games like Kami and Art of Balance which have lovely presentation.
Anyway, that's just my opinion, I hope it is if some use to you. Best of luck with your future games!
@DuncanW
Thanks for the input. I know NL reviews don't like puzzle games that much - even during the Wiiw6te era when there were some great games getting low reviews.
I'll keep my eye on it, and maybe jump on a demo or a sale price to try it.
@Ogbert
Amen to that too!
man this is total crap!
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