Cuboid, the 3D puzzle game from Creat Studios, made its way to the PSN on January 8th. It came jam-packed full with 66 levels, 2 difficulty settings, and even some extensive trophy support. Like many of you, I had never heard of this game before earlier in the week, when they announced that it was releasing on PSN. I just figured it was another game to help build up the ever-increasing PSN library. Well, I was pleasantly surprised when I started reading comments on forums about how addictive and fun this game is, so I figured $10…what could it hurt?
Fun, addictive, varying levels, brain bending, frustrating at times are just some of the things that come to mind when thinking about my experience with this game. You use a cuboid (it’s basically a rectangular cube) to try and navigate a map from beginning to end, avoiding falling off the edge or through wooden panels by hitting bridge buttons and using teleporters. Now, I know all that sounds confusing and from time to time it can be, but once you start playing this game and you learn how to manipulate the cuboid it really can be quite simple.
There are a total of 66 levels, starting with a level that is pretty simple and can be completed in 6 seconds and continues to the most extreme levels that may take you 20 to 30 minutes to figure out on your first play through. Now you may be thinking ’66 levels’ … sounds like it will get boring. Well, they do a very good job at adding new obstacles to keep you on your toes. The first few levels start out with just a concrete surface, but after a a few levels they add in a new surface; it is wooden and if you land on it incorrectly you will fall through. Then, a few more levels later, they add in a button that activates bridges so you can get across gaps. Lastly, they add in a teleporter. When activated, it splits your Cuboid in 2 pieces so you can hit multiple switches and it makes it easier to get around. Eventually they mix all of this together and that is when the challenge really starts.
There are 6 sections each with 11 different boards. The first 10 of each section can be completed with an infinite amount of moves. The 11th board throws in a new twist. You will only have 10 moves to complete the level. Sounds tough, right? Well they do add in life which, when you land on it, gives you an extra 10 moves. The goal is to get to the end with as many remaining moves as possible.
The only real negative to the game would be it is relatively short. You should be able to complete all the levels in roughly 3 – 4 hours. Also, it would be nice if they added in a few more variations to the levels, or maybe just increased the overall size of some of them.
All in all this is a very fun and extremely addictive game. The 66 levels have just enough variation so that it doesn’t get old, although any more than 66 may have gotten repetitive. Add in the trophy support and this is a very solid game, especially for the price of $10. This is a ‘must pick up’ for all you puzzle lovers out there.
PlayStation LifeStyle’s Final Score
Very innovative, and easy to pick up. Mind-bending at times, but very addictive. Mysterious music, great graphics, and solid presentation.
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