Game Podunk Review: Droplitz - Addicted to Ink

http://www.gamepodunk.com/forum/podunk-game-reviews/8249-droplitz-add...

Droplitz is one of those games that feel like they were inspired by Tetris. It brings, however, a few twists to the old formula. Great for casual gamers and likely one to get you hooked, Droplitz offers a pleasing experience for those who want something light. Just make sure that if you plan on playing for 10 minutes, you have a couple hours to spare.

Is the game a sure win for puzzle fans? "The Liztress" further explains the gameplay mechanics, graphics, sounds, and replay value!

Gameplay:

The mechanics behind the game are simple to learn. For this review, I'm going to explain the PSN version but I'm sure the XBLA and PC ones work in a similar manner. You use the "X" and "O" buttons to turn the "dials" in hopes of creating a path for the droplets of ink-like material to get from the top of the board to the bottom. The square button speeds up the pace of the droplets falling and the triangle button works the various power-ups available in certain modes. Your goal is to keep from losing droplets and creating paths as the speed of the droplets increase. This goal doesn't change throughout the four modes but each adds something unique to the mix.

Classic mode is the first available mode to play and is the simplest to play. Zendurance mode tests your endurance to see how long you can last as the droplets speed down the dials. Power Up mode allows you to use various power-ups to help you get an edge on the board. Power-ups include bombs that wipe out either a small area around the selected dial or the whole board and items to slow down the speed of the droplets to a snail's pace or even completely freezing the board. Infection mode not only allows the same power-ups as Power Up mode, but adds something to work against you: infected dials. The goal in this mode is to create oaths so you don't lose droplets and to get rid of the infected dials that will pop up. If you're not quick to dispose of them, they infect all adjoining dials, causing the dials to react sluggishly.

Graphics:

Graphics consists of colorful backgrounds and a multitude of dials. I found the themes (9 of them) to be pleasant and not the least bit distracting. Once you unlock the Zen mode, you can choose which theme to use as your background. There is enough detail to notice each droplet (if you have to time to pay attention to them) right down to the animations for when you use the power-ups. The transition between the backgrounds is subtle, which is helpful if you can't afford a distraction at a critical point where one wrong move spells game over.

...