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RETAILBIZ: PUZZLE QUEST: GALACTRIX WWW.MCVUK.COM
MCV 06/03/09 43
The Puzzle Quest series returns, bringing rich narrative and addictive gameplay together for a game with appeal to both core and casual gamers… by James Batchelor THE ORIGINAL Puzzle Quest has become remarkably popular for a game that can be considered as a simple casual title. Combing familiar puzzle mechanics with a detailed fantasy storyline and RPG mechanics clearly broadened the concept’s appeal. Originally released via download systems such as Xbox Live and PlayStation Network, the popularity of the first game prompted D3P to provide retail versions for handhelds, consoles and PC. First game, Challenge Of The Warlords, even spawned a sequel. Now D3P looks to continue that success by expanding the franchise into a new genre: science fiction. Puzzle Quest: Galactrix promises to deliver the same addictive gameplay and narrative scope as its fantasy predecessors, this time transporting players to a galaxy in peril. RELEASED: MARCH 13 EPIC QUEST
When a scientific accident provokes an alien race to hunt down mankind, players must take on the role of a heroic space pilot charged with uniting a galactic empire to fend off the invaders. As they strive to bring the political factions together, they must upgrade their own ship and the space fleet, and all through the series’ own brand of puzzling. The game is still based on the common puzzle mechanic of matching a set number of icons by swapping them around on a grid. Successfully doing so powers up your special abilities and attacks, which can be used at any time to turn the tide of the battle. However, the developers have strived to tweak the formula, changing the shape of the board and making additions that not only reinvigorate the game, but will also provide a fresh experience for veterans. “With an all new futuristic sci-fi setting, the hexagonal board reacts to gravity depending on the player’s location in the universe,” says D3P’s PR and marketing executive Marlene Fitzsimmons. “Galactrix brings a blend of the same fan-favourite gameplay elements with new ones such as
retaining a structure accessible enough to appeal to gamers of any ability. Giving the action a context comparable to that of more elaborate games is enough to draw the more avid gamers and has been key to the series’ popularity so far.
FORMATS: PC, DS PUBLISHER: D3P DEVELOPER: INFINITE INTERACTIVE PRICE: £24.99 DISTRIBUTOR: CENTRESOFT CONTACT: 0121 625 3388
negotiating factions, hacking leapgates and collecting blueprints which offer a captivating new adventure to explore and conquer.” The gameplay is relaxing enough to satisfy casual gamers, but cerebral enough to entice the hardcore consumers. As they take on other characters head-to-head, players must make full use of the turn-based gameplay, matching as many symbols as they can before their turn ends. As with the previous Puzzle Quests, defeat does not necessarily see gamers punished as they are rewarded with psionic powers at the end of each match, depending on their performance. Replacing the gold from original games, Galactrix’s puzzles feature tokens that allow gamers to improve their ship’s power and defence systems. The depth of these options elevates Puzzle Quest beyond the casual sector and further towards RPG, while still
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OLD GAME, NEW ‘TRIX
Puzzle Quest: Galactix is a unique puzzle game with an RPG twist loved by hardcore and casual gamers alike. Marlene Fitzsimmons, D3P
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“Puzzle Quest: Galactrix is a unique puzzle game with an RPG twist loved by hardcore and casual gamers alike,” adds Fitzsimmons. “Challenge Of The Warlords has a massive fanbase and we’re hoping for the same with Galactrix – and more. It’s an exciting new addition to the Puzzle Quest universe.” The game is launching on Xbox Live and PSN on the same day as the retail releases, which can only serve to promote the game to DS and PC owners. D3P has also crafted an extensive marketing and PR campaign based around the flash and PC demos, which can be sampled on the game’s official website. This allows players to try out the new gameplay and get a taste for the storyline before they buy it – as well as creating the danger of getting addicted on their lunchbreak.