Atlus churn out a game with orbs and rotating tables. Get it.
I’ll just cut to the chase on this one: Droplitz is a beautiful, engaging, thrilling, yet utterly calming game. Atlus’ JRPG background is more than evident in Droplitz as time seems to render itself irrelevant as you glide through puzzle after puzzle without even realizing there’s a goal to be achieved.
WHAT YOU’LL LIKE:
Simplicity like no other
A,B, and Y. These are the only three buttons you need as you control the rotation of the tiny cog’s to get the tiny orbs to their destination. Like the BioShock mini-games, the aim in Droplitz is to transfer a payload from A to B, via paths which you must create against the time by turning and synchronizing turntables to ensure the orbs flow smoothly. There are a number of turntable tunnels, such as straight paths or corner paths, along with the ever confusing three-way Y channels. If you run into a dead end, your reserve tank depletes but following a successful run or a high-scoring combo, restores itself so you can continue Droplitzing.
Gorgeous vibe
Each level has a different theme, including assorted colors, music and names. Two similar colors are paired in a gradient, and the tiles on the outskirt of the board flip over to a corresponding image to the current theme. The variety is extensive, and given the amount of modes, it takes a while before you get bored of the switching colors.
Hurrah for stylish games!
Plenty of levels
Droplitz possesses four modes: Classic, Infection, Power Up, and Zendurance Challenge. Classic mode troubles you into completing levels as time increases, whereas the Zendurance Challenge merely lets you play as long you wish, without a spike in difficulty. Power Up mode introduces blue powerup orbs, which when guided safely home, slow down time, stop time completely, or remove niggling tunnels which do anything but help you out. Infection mode drowns the tables in a green mess, resulting in their turning circle being significantly slower. The infection spreads to other tables too, and this is where your powerup usage skills will need to come into play.
WHAT YOU WON’T LIKE:
No multiplayer
This is a shame, as a co-operative mode may have been interesting in a game like this, as well as a head-to-head mode. There are leaderboards to keep track of all your (and your buddies) stats, but it doesn’t do enough justice to feel as if you’re actually competing against somebody. If Droplitz were to categorize itself from its single player it wouldn’t be a competitive puzzle game, but with a multiplayer mode, could’ve added that extra bit of longevity as seen in games like Rocket Riot.
RECOMMENDATION:
It’s hard to dislike Droplitz, even if you’re a skydiving adrenaline junkie. Where some puzzle games are approached despondently as they ring the bells of repetition, Droplitz stands out from the crowd with its absorbing experience and its multitude of play styles. You can gun for the highest possible score if you want, but you can also relax and sift through levels for hours on end. If you’re looking for a game that no matter what your plan of attack may be, look no further than Atlus’ Droplitz.
Droplitz
Systems: PSN, Xbox Live Arcade
Developer: Blitz Arcade
Publisher: Atlus
Find: Goozex - Xbox Live Marketplace
All reviews are based on final retail code unless otherwise noted.
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July 20th, 2009 at 2:01 pm
I like this game a lot, but I’m not sure “calming” is the word I’d use. Especially when all your drops are almost gone and you’re scrambling to make a path.
July 20th, 2009 at 2:10 pm
The way I see it, the more I fail a level the more Droplitz I get to play…
Like I said though, depending on your approach to Droplitz, you may get very very angry in a very short amount of time or just not give a damn as you try to progress.
July 26th, 2009 at 4:41 am
looks like a lovely game of anger and controller breaking ( well that is what well happen when i play it)