9 of 10

Write now Article Tools

Rating: 2/5

The best feature about the tile placement game, Xena Sola, is its musical arrangement. For that, sound designer Alexander Parker should be commended. The opening theme and background music of the game are technical "space" compositions that are catchy without being overwhelming. If there were any other interesting features about the game, even in the slightest, the music would definitely push the game higher in sales.

Unfortunately, there aren't any other interesting features about the game. The graphics are mediocre, at best. The game play is unimaginative and reminiscent of an assignment that might be given to freshmen computer programming majors. There's not even a story line or a plot to help provoke some interest from the player.

The object of the game is fairly simple. The goal is to construct a space station, one tile at a time. You are put up against three opponents who may be computer or human, depending on if you are playing on a network with others. The chances of finding three other people willing to buy the game are pretty slim, though. So you might as well assume that you'll be playing against computers.

The game play is turn-based. Each turn, you draw one time from the pile and place it on the board in what you hope will be a strategic location. You do get the opportunity to place a bet on the tile that will increase your score if certain combinations are made. There is some strategy involved as completions of different structures do yield higher point accumulations.

The game claims to have a tutorial, but when you choose that option, you are simply brought to a screen that tells you the point values for three basic types of constructions. It would be more appropriate to label that option as "Scoring Summary" or something equally descriptive. Calling that screen a tutorial is definitely a misnomer.

Overall, I was deeply disappointed with the game. I had hoped that it would be similar to games of the city-building genre or, at least, would offer some options that would allow for creative play. Instead, it is a poorly thought-out version of a "chain-forming" game. I did, and still do, like the music, however. That is the only reason I rate this game as high as a 2 out of 5.

Learn more about this author, Renna Madison.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Downloadable game reviews: Xena Sola?
We want to hear your view. Write now!