
The Wii U eShop is gradually building its library, but for the large part has been populated by relatively substantial games that cost a decent amount of change; while that's absolutely fine, this is a platform also suitable for inexpensive experiences either quick-fire or simple in nature. RUSH, like its Two Tribes Classics predecessors Toki Tori and EDGE, arrives with a budget introductory price and a far-from-excessive standard rate, offering some affordable fun.
At an initial glance RUSH may remind some of EDGE, with its enthusiasm for block capitals and, more pertinently, its use of cubes as the main elements of the game. Unlike EDGE, however, this title is a puzzle game through and through, foregoing pseudo-platforming for some old-fashioned grey-matter work. Add to that the overall design concept and this is a title that should, in theory, be simple to play for gamers of all levels.

Your task is that of puzzle master and planner, as you're presented with a 3D layout, starting points for the multiple cubes and a target zone that they have to reach. It's all clearly presented with bright, crisp colours, and you're given limited resources — which must always be used in full — to manoeuvre these cubes so that they don't hit each other, fall into the abyss or simply aimlessly roll around the stage missing their goal. The simplest tools are directional arrows that redirect cubes, while conveyor belts move them one space in a set direction, stop indicators slow them down, and another tool splits cubes into alternative directions. These are all introduced gradually, with the game slowly teaching you how to play before taking off the training wheels.
In a diversion from the previous Two Tribes Classics titles, RUSH pushes you towards one style of play, in this case utilising the GamePad's touch screen. It's possible to use the stylus for all controls, as you tap the grid-like stages to place and move items, while adjusting the camera with swipes and movements around the outside of the level to adjust the view. The analogue sticks can also work the camera while the back shoulder buttons serve as a useful camera zoom, which is integral in more complex 3D stage designs.
In that respect the TV is relegated to the role of entertaining others in the room, or providing a slightly brighter and sharper view of the cubes heading to their destinations. The touch controls work well and occasions of placing an item in the wrong place are rare and easily fixed, but even with the zoom later levels proved slightly taxing when trying to take in the gravity of the challenge. While it's possible to explore the multi-level shapes on the TV before switching to the GamePad, the absence of physical buttons to place items seems like a missed opportunity — simply translating mouse control-precision through touch to the GamePad is sound in theory, but the 6.1 inch screen can be found lacking in real estate.

That is a minor complaint, however, against what is another polished effort from the developer. It's also an experience that, with its multiple difficulty settings and Bonus stages, will keep most busy for a long time. There are plenty of stages, yes, but it's the fierce difficulty that will flesh out this experience. The Easy stages are a gentle introduction, but even the Normal levels will have multiple groups of cubes, hazards and items to consider and manage, enough to truly bend some minds. The fact that you decide all of your moves before setting the cubes in action — like a futuristic game of dominoes — means that keen puzzlers may dwell on tougher stages for a long time before even experimenting.
That's not a complaint, but does drive this title towards a demographic that truly seeks a test of puzzle-solving ability and is also blessed with a patient mind. The action element of EDGE and to a lesser degree Toki Tori is replaced by this pure puzzle solving, making this a different proposition entirely. With many stages being multi-layered 3D structures, too, this is a serious test of spacial awareness, so if you struggle in those areas in games like Brain Training this will either be a welcome opportunity to work that part of your brain or an issue, depending on your perspective.

To its credit, Two Tribes does offer some help. Two hint buttons are available on the touch screen, one that shows whether your placed items are correct — invaluable for later levels with item numbers into double figures — and another than shows where your various tools should be placed, without telling you which goes where. As there's no scoring, as such, it's a question of pride whether you want to battle through without hints or endure the level completion screen revealing the number of hints used, like a subtle badge of shame.
Overall, then, this is a simple concept increasingly tweaked with more devious puzzles, shapes and challenges. Much about RUSH is minimalist, too, with levels in each difficulty playable in almost any order — some are unlocked once you clear a set amount — and with visuals and sound that are clean and unobtrusive. While EDGE delighted us with its techno-infused soundtrack and dazzling creativity, this is a flat-out puzzle game that challenges, rather than surprises. It's pleasing both visually and aurally, albeit less memorable than its fellow cube-based experience.
Conclusion
RUSH is a more than welcome addition to the Wii U eShop, as it delivers straight-out puzzle challenges with few needless embellishments, all at a budget price. It's intuitive on the GamePad touch screen — though the lack of a physical button control scheme is a pity — and very quickly ramps up the challenge. Later levels will take a lot of brain work and time to beat, with some hint tools there to help; the complexity of the stage shapes pose the greatest challenge. It delivers with a little panache and is perfectly suited to the Brain Training crowd, in particular, even if these cubes aren't as multi-sided as in another Two Tribes Classic.
Comments 24
I am in no RUSH to buy this because my Wii U backlog is getting rather large:
Super Castlevania
Megaman 3
Link to the Past
SM3DW
SMB2
Ninja Gaiden 3 (painfully underrated)
Wii Fit U
Wii Sports Club
and I will be getting W101, Megaman X
Not sure that I will be getting this one as I am color blind. I am playing through EDGE now anyway, and I never get to finish any Two Tribes game I get.
@Nintenjoe64 at $2/€2 you would be mad not to pick this (and the other two games too), I have a huge backlog and I am the same as you, not buying any games (except for Pikmin 1&2 yesterday) until i make a good dent in them.
But RUSH is on sale and will go up to €/$4 in Jan.
@sinalefa I'm very colour blind too but I think that wont be a problem, pretty clear reds blues and yellow (maybe thats green lol)
Like @Nintenjoe64 my backlog is growing (funny how the WiiU is getting all the 3rd parties but I can't keep up with what it is getting) but I jumped in and got it. I'm loving it. Its a simple concept that is not so simple. And at $2, how could I NOT get it.
I find the puzzles in this game much more fun than those from the (somehow similar) games "Crush3d" and "Mario and Donkey Kong: Minis on the Move".
Great game, and you can't beat the price! hoping NA gets the same Two Tribes sale this week that EU is getting... definitely picking up TT2+ next.
@readyletsgo
Judging by the pics, the game seems to use many colors. If I can't tell colors apart it will not be possible to properly play. I can see reds and blues, but add yellows, greens, purples, etc. and I am done for.
@sinalefa Yeah I'm the same with yellows greens blues purples too, I try to go with whatever colour is darker the best i can. Clour blindness makes it more challenging but also more rewarding at times too.
I think I'll get this while it's on sale, I'm loving toki tori but for some reason I didn't like edge (free demo on android play store) so this will have to be my cube fix from two tribes. Anyone played toki tori 2? thats pretty cheap right now if I buy both but don't want get it for the sake of it??
For the color blind people here: Co-Founder Martijn Reuvers is also color blind and he has approved the game for release.
I know not every colorblind person sees the same, but he has the most common one
Last night I had a dream that you would give this a bad review, for some reason.
@ueI Were you dream trolling??
I'm really surprised by how excellent EDGE is, so I might just have to give this a whirl. I love me some cube games. (Cubello / You, Me, and the Cubes are favs)
I really am enjoying this game much more than I thought I would. It's extremely satisfying when you find the solution to the stage and watch the blocks move to the goals. This is definitely my favorite of the Two Tribes games (The discount ones that is. Nothing beats Toki Tori 2)
Both edge and rush are fantastic puzzle games.... Both look great running at 60fps. Take that "Nextgen"!!
I highly recommend both. At $2 each is a steal... In fact I would recommend all of Two Tribes games. They are really good at making puzzle games. I'm eagerly awaiting what they will do next.
I bought all the Two Tribe games that were on sale, and I think they're worth it.
The only thing I wonder about about, is why the bass is so high in the sound track. Toki Tori has a music/sound equalizer in the options, but I have to turn down the volume by half in order to have the "correct" sound volume.
EDGE uses both subs and stereo speakers at full bass, it seems...
The high bass goes for all these Two Tribe games.
Def picking this up
This one is pretty good, and cheap!
Looks neat, I hope we get a demo. These sorts of games I can't usually decide on until I play them.
Great little game & for the price its a no brainer. Two tribes games have been great for the launch discount. Plus if you already snapped up this, edge Toki tori you can get Toki Tori 2+ £3.89 in the sale on 19th.
Just need some more e shop games in 2014.
Since we are clearly never getting another ChuChu Rocket this one will have to do. Fortunately it's a pretty great little gem.
@Nintenjoe64
I bought Ninja Gaiden at launch, but didn't pop it in to try until 2 days ago. You're absolutely right, woefully underrated game. That's a common trend nowadays, it would seem. More and more EXCELLENT games are being outright ignored. People prejudge before playing, and end up missing out as a result. That's why I loved the good ol' days of renting games. Just swing by Blockbuster on the weekend, grab 3 or 4 titles that catch your interest and binge out. Nowadays, nobody rents anymore.
I would probably rent some Wii U games from RedBox, but they don't carry Wii U games. That's how it was the last time I checked, anyway.
@sinalefa I'm colorblind too but I made sure the designers chose colors that even I could distinguish
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