HueBrix

08/09/2012

HueBrix
Developer: Yellow Monkey Studios
Platform: Android/iOS
Price: $1.00
Free availability: Yes, Android only.

Gameplay
One could write off, HueBrix being just another puzzle game with blocks and colours, but it's become a lot more than that in the last few days. The amount of variety provided by the simple movement of blocks evolves into something more than just creating a pattern to get to the next stage. There are different types of blocks, portals, additional and subtraction blocks and even blocks that make your line of colour end. With over two hundred levels, it's easy to get stuck, but even harder to stop playing.

Graphics
There is a wonderfully minimalist appeal to the colourful blocks that seem to add up as you create more and more twists and turns with each pattern. The 8-bit style goes perfectly with the simplicity of the gameplay, but it does have a polished appeal. The starting blocks give you a number and then you just have to make it on your own to figure out the colourful pattern to finish the level. The patterns and then the final snaking away as you successfully finish a puzzle is just pure bliss. The menus are simply designed and my only real problem is the tiny symbols which are used for the hint buttons and pause buttons, during gameplay.

Sound
The game has a creative little sound mix as you play through each level, blooping and bleeping your way through to the end. The snaking patterns will rise in key as you finish off the blocks and a burst of sound will spring out as you finish, giving you a senses of satisfaction, almost akin to finishing a level of Peggle. The music is a light 8-bit composition which compliments the game's design and gameplay. It'd feel out of place if it wasn't for the comfortable gameplay which you can just stare at for ours and enjoy on a long train trip or bus ride.

Pros

• Colourful easy to understand gameplay
• Fun for any age and a strong steady learning curve
• Plenty of levels and variety

Cons

• The music can get repetitive at times
• The frustration of not finishing a puzzle

Summary
HueBrix is a near perfect and simple game. It doesn't worry about your achievements, it's just there to get you to the next level which if you haven't already guessed is a lot of fun. Whilst flawed in some design issues and a redeemable hint system would be nice, ultimately HueBrix is my new addiction and if you don't like the 8-bit style or puzzle games, you may need to get your fix elsewhere.

Score: 9/10

Written by HE