At just $0.99 in the US App Store, Zarik HD provides a great little software title for puzzle lovers. The concept couldn't be easier; you move dice into square outlines, each turn removing a pip from the front face.
The devil is, however, in the details. You have to get each die into a square using exactly the right number of moves. How you do so can take seconds, minutes or hours to figure out. You won't win if your die is in the right place but with pips remaining.
With lots of clever add-ons, including impenetrable blocks, pip-bonus power-ups, dice that can't be pushed by other dice, teleporting dice and more, each level of this game offers a stand-alone challenge that will amuse anyone who likes these kinds of brain-teasing games.
The graphics are simple but very well done for the most part. That isn't to say I didn't have some issues.
I didn't like that on some levels the dice size seemed to shrink to accommodate more items on-screen. I was also not very fond of the undo button being on the bottom left, away from where most people have their primary hand in position. I also wish the settings were not linked to a "pause" button but had their own icon, because it just doesn't seem logical to me to combine them that way. Those are all fairly minor quibbles, however.
If you like thoughtful puzzles without obvious solutions, then Zarik is loaded to the gills with hours of fun. If you have a low frustration tolerance, you'll probably do best looking elsewhere for your iPad entertainment because these challenges can be fairly diabolical. I enjoyed working through the first forty-odd levels and am looking forward to playing more.
App Review: Zarik HD for iPad offers challenging puzzles, engaging design originally appeared on TUAW on Mon, 02 May 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Amanda Swisten Scarlett Chorvat Kim Smith Hilary Duff Lake Bell
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