Puzzle Monkeys (Wii U) Second Opinion Review

Puzzle Monkeys packages itself with two main modes, imaginatively titled Mode A and Mode B. Fortunately, the contents within each mode exhibit an apparent and constant stream of ideas; some their own, others borrowed form past games. Mode A sets the player on their way with the traditional falling block game they have come to know and expect. Immediately, conventions involving rotating blocks (each made of two squares) of different colours, aligning them to stop a game-ending pile up, are both a familiar, and to some degree, comforting introduction to a game easing the player in. In addition to this, combining three coloured blocks will evaporate them from the grid. The same must be done in order to clear pre-placed blocks layered sporadically across the stage.

The stand-out mechanic of note comes courtesy of the Wii U GamePad. Players will notice on its display differentiating colours in each corner. Tapping on any particular one will eliminate the corresponding colour block from the one currently plummeting from the sky. Doesn't sound like a game changer, but it certainly alters the perception of proceedings and adds a layer of tactical employment in the player's advantage, making the feeling of clearing a stack of blocks that much more satisfying.

Mode B offers up a fresh challenge, by presenting different obstacles designed to complicate the aim of clearing stacks of blocks. Now, however, in this mode - controlled entirely through the GamePad - a uniform of blocks traverse back and forth across the top of the screen, and when a colour on the GamePad is selected, the corresponding ones at the top will vanish, leaving the ones left to plummet to the bottom. Needless to say, the level of preplanning and quick thinking needed raises sharply. Initially, at least, Mode B can be a little overbearing, but once the sudden learning curve is mastered, it can become a rewarding addition to this otherwise accessibly friendly package.

The presentation in many games of this nature more often than not tends to get overlooked; Puzzle Monkeys unfortunately continues this trend with some pretty mundane and generic looking level designs. Understandably, players won't be expecting a graphical powerhouse on show, but it is nonetheless a shame that there is little more than simplistic pre-rendered backgrounds, void of much detail. It's a real shame because at first glance, Puzzle Monkeys visually resembles many of the web browser offerings. It's a factor that endangers the game by alienating players with its lack of flair before they have a chance to experience the depth in the gameplay itself. The soundtrack does go some way to remedying the negative indentation attributed to the visuals by layering the action with some delightfully up-tempo samples.

Unfortunately, the option of a multiplayer mode has been ignored, which is perhaps the biggest missed opportunity of all here. For a title as accessible as Puzzle Monkeys, the inclusion of even just a split- screen battle mode would have greatly increased its longevity. As it stands, players will have to make do with the online leader boards, which, at the very least, do encourage revisits for score-breaking enthusiasts.