It is an interesting and different type of puzzle game that is sure to please DS owners…if it were sold at a lower price point.
The gameplay is simple. Twist and turn a series of 7 angled shapes to form one bigger shape that looks like something (like a rocket or a bird). Initially, the training level of the game clearly shows the player how to manipulate the oddly shaped pieces. Offering some level of challenge, the game supports three modes of play. The player can play with a three minute time limit, a seven move limit, or a no limitation mode. If you want your worth of this game, players will need to play either the 3 minute mode or the 7 move challenge in order to keep track of some type of score/fastest completion time.
Neves is a very simple but amusing game, two qualities that fit well on the DS platform. The easy to understand and wealth of puzzles available make this game all the more reason of a purchase. And in terms of replay, there are tons thanks to the massive amount of puzzles and two player competitive single card link mode.
Unfortunately, there are a few downfalls to this title. First, the game’s background music is terrible. In fact, there is no reason to have the sound on at all. Turning the system’s audio slider bar to the left is the recommendation here. But because this is a puzzle game, the player is free to listen to their iPod or radio while playing this game as it will not take away from the overall experience…in fact, it might even enhance it.
Next, the game lacks any significant presentation. All menus are a pretty bland-one color scheme. Combine this feature with the lacking audio quality, and the game’s overall presentation really begins to suffer.
While play control is simple, it isn’t exactly the most responsive. To select a piece, the player will simply stab it and if you want to rotate the piece, just grab one of the highlighted edges and slide the stylus. However, there were plenty of times when this stab-and-drag technique did not work as it should as I would either accidentally grab the neighboring piece or the piece would not become selected at all. Because the gameplay is so simple, it is a shame that the touch screen accuracy is not on the same page.
Finally, there is no reason why this title should cost $30. There are many games on the DS, more specifically the Brain Age series, which costs less but offers a decent amount of entertaining content. If this game were to drop by $10 or even $15, then it would definitely be worth a purchase.
But instead of focusing on the negative aspects, we cannot over look what was done right. The game’s casual appeal and pick-up-and-play attitude makes this an entertaining game. It follows the same type of fun that Brain Age offers and should definitely be marketed towards those DS players. However, the lacking audio, overall presentation, and inaccurate controls does not justify the $30 price tag. If you are a major puzzle fan, then pick this one up. If not, wait until the price drops, then pop it in your DS.
