When it comes to puzzle games, spatial reasoning 3-D titles will always grab my attention, especially if they have great graphics and plenty of puzzles to challenge my brainpower.
Shadowmatic is a puzzle game that asks players to think about the world in 360 degrees in order to turn shapes into objects. We’ve got a full game review of Shadowmatic for you today.
Concept
In this puzzle game, players rotate abstract 3-D shapes around against a spotlight. The resulting shadow that appears on the opposite wall will project a known object when the shape is properly rotated. It’s like putting bunny ears on the wall with a flashlight. The goal is to turn the abstract shapes into a specific object as fast as possible.
Design
The most stunning aspect of this game is the graphic design. Not only do multiple shapes rotate individually in different ways, but they can also be moved together in order to create an object. Meanwhile, the background changes when you move your device around with a parallax effect.
The soundtrack features a different song in each new environment. Songs are relaxing and meditative to help keep your mind clear while you play.
Gameplay
Players rotate one, two, or three different shapes that, at first just look like a glob of nothing. As you rotate, you’ll see an object take shape. Move around 360 degrees in any direction until the shape turns into an object.
If you are dealing with two or three shapes, a switcher button appears in the bottom left corner of the screen. Tap the button to switch between the shapes and then rotate as usual. When you want to merge all shapes at the same time to create one object, hold the button down while rotating and the shapes will come together.
In addition to the primary goal of finding a specific object, there are secondary goals, which are to find a hidden object within the same puzzle. The secret shapes can be accessed from any puzzle by tapping the double circle in the upper right corner of the screen. You will be able to see the objects, but you won’t know which puzzle they are hidden in.
There are nine different environments, each with about half-dozen or so puzzles. Although the objects are fairly basic at the beginning, they definitely get harder as the game progresses, especially when you add a second and third shape.
The Good
I love how complex the puzzles get when multiple shapes are added to the mix. I’ve been completely stumped at times as I rotate one shape, and then the other, without being able to figure out what I’m supposed to be looking at. Luckily, there is a free hint system that helps you when you get stuck.
The Bad
The shapes must fit into their respective spots with precision. A number of times, I felt like my shapes were perfectly matched to create the object, but the puzzle would not solve. It would be easier if the solve trigger were a bit more forgiving.
Value
Shadowmatic costs $2.99, which frankly was a surprise for me. I would have expected it to cost $4.99 based on how much content is available. The graphics are stunning and the gameplay is smooth. The replay value is decent because you can replay levels to speed up your solve time. Plus, you can try finding the secret objects.
Conclusion
Fans of spatial reasoning puzzle games will enjoy this app. It looks amazing and has 70 complex puzzles to challenge your brainpower. The price is reasonable for the amount of content it comes with. This game is available on the iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch. Download it in the App Store today.
Related Apps
This reminds me a lot of Lost Toys, which is also a 3-D spatial reasoning puzzle game.