Reviewed: July 9, 2007
Reviewed by: Jeff Gedgaud
Publisher
D3Publisher
Developer
Now Production
Released: June 12, 2007
Genre: Puzzle
Players: 1
8
8
6
8
7.5
Supported Features:
Screenshots (Click Image for Gallery)
PQ2: Practical Intelligence Quotient 2 follows in the foot steps of the first PQ game from D3 and Now Production with even better, more intelligent?, puzzles. Using a series of logic puzzles that require you to move blocks or avoid obstacles to reach a goal you find out your intelligence quotient.
This may not be a prescribed or authentic way to take an intelligence quotient test but it is trying your spacial relationships and logical processes as you move your character from a start point to a goal. Another way to put it is you have to get from point A to point B without getting caught. You will have to move blocks, avoid laser beams and police as you reach your goal and are given a final score based on a formula that is supposed to tell how intelligent you are.
Although I do not know if this is a practical test of intelligence or how accurate it is there is something to the test that screams how stupid you are for that silly move. Maybe not that bad but some of the puzzles are so simple that they look very difficult and yet it can try your patience when you do finally solve some. While some of the puzzles you solve are downright easy others are of the smack your forehead for finally seeing the solution difficult.
The game is very simple and yet can become so very complex in a short time by changing how they combine all the various moves, blocks and ways to trap you into the game. Your goal is simple, move your little character from the start to the finish spot. Your world consists of sets of blocks sometimes flat or of varying heights with blocks, falls and even lasers and police blocking your progress.
Your character cannot be caught by the light of the policeman, cannot go through a laser beam or climb/fall more than one block height. You need to move blocks, avoid the police and get to the finish point in a series of 100 puzzles to find out your intelligence quotient. A score is based on how quickly you accomplish the goal and in how many moves you make it with things like moving more blocks than necessary counting against you.
The main game is set up as a series of 100 puzzles in groups that are timed and you are given 300 minutes to finish all the puzzles. The 100 puzzle test has an autosave feature to help you accomplish the main section of gameplay with a pick up and play ease. There is also a quick puzzle test that has to be solved in ten minutes as well as a theme tests section that has various tests that try different intellect skills.
The game has a basic puzzle quality that is very interesting and can get to be difficult quickly. At first they start you off with simple tests of getting from point A to point B by moving and dropping blocks as well as avoiding the cop but soon you will find a variety of difficulties with other objects added at certain levels of the game. Glass blocks that break if dropped from more than one block height or lifts that you can move add to the possible combinations of the puzzle but don't always add to an easy solution.
The approximately five hour 100 puzzle test has an end explanation of what your score was and some explanation of what it means as well as a continuing score during the test. You can also see how you rank nationally and across the world by entering your 100 puzzle score to the database via the internet connection.
The graphics are that nice mix of simplicity and great looking light dark contrast that looks appealing. I like how they set the whole block world in a dark area so you can concentrate on your task at hand. The simple white character that you choose between male and female when you start your test is easy to find when you play.
The other blocks and objects are simply created and easy to identify quickly while playing. They could not have made it simpler and yet it has a simple elegance to it. The graphics are not really a problem but do not add difficulty to your gameplay so it is pretty good.
Using some simple sound effects and background music PQ2 has created a nice blend of music and intelligent sounding themes to the gameplay. There is a definite style to the music in a spy thriller sort of tone as you puzzle your way through levels that change at times.
When you move blocks, get caught by the cops or finish a puzzle sound effects play that add a good quality to the game and they all sounded pretty decent. There was nothing very outstanding to the sound but there were also no problems as well.
Five hours of a 100 puzzle test as well as the ten minute and themed puzzles would be a pretty good game but they have also added downloadable content and a level or puzzle editor. You can edit puzzles or create your own with the simple to use puzzle editor to try and stump friends and family.
You can also download puzzles others have made over the infrastructure mode from the internet with a wireless connection. You can also create your own puzzles and upload them for others to enjoy and complain about how hard they are. The puzzles the game has are pretty challenging and to return for a second attempt at them would be fun and you might even get a better IQ score the second time through.
PQ2: Practical Intelligence Quotient 2 is a great puzzle game with a decided twist in its presentation. It may not be accurate in telling your intelligence but it is a fun game and quite a challenge.
The variety and depth of puzzles as well as the presentation is well done and you will have more than just the five hours of gameplay in the 100 puzzle test to keep you busy. PQ2 is well worth the purchase and a great puzzle game, even if it does tell how intelligent, or not, you are.