Reviewed: April 11, 2010
Reviewed by: Mark Smith
Publisher
Chillingo Ltd
Developer
Gamerizon
Released: April 1, 2010
Genre: Puzzle
Players: 1
8
8
8
8
8.8
Game Info:
App Store Price: $4.99
QuantZ HD is one of several terrific new touch-based puzzle games arriving for the launch of the iPad. In this one you are in control of a 3D object like a cube that you can rotate in real-time by touching and dragging your finger on the screen. The goal is to spin the cube so that incoming marbles will fall adjacent to matching colors already one each side of the object. Match enough marbles and you’ll create special new marbles based on adjoining colors that will eliminate even more marbles.
The chain reactions can get pretty impressive as you make your way through 12 levels in the Strategy mode or you may find the increased pace of the Action mode more to your liking or check out more than 50 riddles to solve in the fantastic Puzzle mode. The gameplay makes the most of your reflexes, memory, and puzzle solving abilities.
Controls are exquisite with smooth rotation or the cube using a single finger or do a double-touch to slow things down and figure things out in slow motion. You can even spin the shape quickly to send all the marbles flying into space then try to reposition them as they gravitate back toward the object.
The menus and interface are slick and polished with a futuristic design that will delight Stargate fans. While simple in overall design and primary colors the spherical shapes and soft-edge designs are pleasing to the eye and animate smoothly with an abundance of special effects like electrical charges pulsating across marbles and some gorgeous swirling backgrounds that will really show off the iPad.
The music is equally as good with cool atmospheric and electronica themes that give the game a very otherworldly feel. The haunting choral voices and orchestrations reminded me of the music in Myst.
QuantZ boasts 30-50 hours of gameplay and I don’t think they are exaggerating. This game is quite substantial with 24 worlds and 50 puzzles and has already provided me with more than $5 worth of fun and I’m only halfway through the content. Add in some Crystal Achievements and several leaderboards and you have quite a bit of competitive fun ahead of you.
Quantz HD is easily one of my top 5 games for the iPad launch. It looks amazing and nothing can touch the quality sound experience. I’m listening to the title screen music while I type this. As far as puzzle games go it doesn’t get much better than this. Worth every cent, so check it out.
