Nevosoft recently introduced a new Match 3 puzzle game called 10 Talismans (download free trial here). Similar to other games in this genre, the player must swap tiles on 50 increasingly difficult levels in order to match at least 3 of them in a row, causing them to be removed from that level, and scoring points for different types of tile combinations. Once the player has caused a tile to be removed at least once from every square on the screen before the timer runs out, the level ends, with a score awarded based on the time left on screen, as well as a total of the types of tiles that were removed. Unlocking 5 screens gives the player a "talisman" such as a dragon.
What can one say about yet another game in this well-traveled genre? 10 Talismans is a well-polished game with all of the check-box features for the category. It has 50 increasingly difficult levels. It has a standard set of power ups (hammer to break up tiles, flashing tiles to explode large groups of near-by tiles, etc) and perils (locks that must be broken or tiles which must be hit twice to be eliminated, etc). It has 2 modes, a timed Classic one and a relaxed Timeless one. It has truly beautiful graphics with great special effects when you trigger large combinations, and it has a wonderful Far East-style soundtrack. There is nothing wrong with this game, but there isn't a lot that's new either.
Verdict - a solid, beautiful Match 3 game. If you love the genre, download it here.
Similar Games
Big Kahuna Reef 2 - see review here
The Da Vinci Code - see review here
Tino's Fruit Stand - see review here
Screenshots
The review has some facts wrong - the game has 80 levels, not 50. Also, you don't get a talisman for every 5 levels you finish. The level requirement to get a new talisman increases through the game.
Posted by: Laffer | September 10, 2006 at 05:51 AM