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Grek's Puzzle Challenge

Published by Dreamturtle Software
Price $14.95
Download
Primary Genre Secondary Genre

Grek is part dinosour part gecko and our slimy skinned friend has got himself trapped in a labyrinth of his wizard master's construction. If that is not bad enough, the red cloaked arch-nemesis of the wizard is also out to get Grek.

Here is Grek. This level is a slide puzzle.

At first I expected the puzzles in Grek's Puzzle Challenge to consist of the usual push blocks variety however there are a few innovations here. The game makes full use of 3D and Grek can pick up, climb and stack boxes to make stairs and other towers. Grek can jump while carrying boxes too, and there are many types of block so the levels contain a lot of puzzle for their size.

The 3D graphics are about average for an indie game. The animation of Grek is done well and the skin has a sort of sheen but the texturing of the main character seems a little bland. The interface is primarily functional and can use the keyboard and mouse. You can play in a window too but there is little sign of the production sparkle that stands out in games like Zen Puzzle Garden or Crystal Wizard.

The evil wizard fires a red ray from his fingertips.

The lounge style MIDI music was surprisingly high quality (on my SB Live! card anyway) but there seems to be quite a few sound effects missing, like pushing blocks, picking them up, dropping etc. Silent actions in turn based puzzle games like this don't spoil the fun in any way but that the lack of sound is bound to affect the perceived quality of the title.

Grek's Puzzle Challenge is similar in content and quality to many indie puzzle games. The game has enough playability and the odd innovation too and the game should appeal to those gamers who like puzzle games, but like any puzzle game it will have to struggle against the sheer quantity of the competitors.

Graphics 65%
Sound 50%
Playability 70%
Longevity 80%
Overall Score 70%
Bronze Star

Published on 02 Apr 2004
Reviewed by Mark Sheeky

Keywords: grek's puzzle challenge review, dreamturtle software reviews, dreamturtle software games, grek's puzzle challenge scores, pc game reviews, indie game reviews, independent gaming.