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This strategy game is deceptive in its simplicity, but requires some thought. The time limit on the demo version makes the game tougher to learn, but the overall fun is only slightly diminished by having to hurry. Graphics aren't too bad and the sound is tolerable, the game is not really innovative, and the rules have to be learned by experience. No room for creativity, as the game is simply a contest to place tiles in the best possible positions to make points and prevent others from making theirs. This game will capture your attention, and it's not a bad way to kill time, but it lacks a goal, the idea being to complete the space station and have the highest point score. If you work to complete the station your points will suffer, and if you work for points the station won't get built. While I can't say I didn't like the game, it was fun for awhile, I will say that it isn't one I would buy unless I had no budget concerns whatsoever. All of the characters from which you can choose are the same in terms of game play, so it really doesn't matter who you are. In the demo you only have one choice, but it makes no difference. The game reminds me of a combination of Ma Jong and dominoes, with bonus options added. You aren't warned in advance that you can only make three bets at a time. Once you realize that, you can make more points in the Demo. The limitation on Bets cuts down on the need for advance strategy as well.

Overall I found the game to be mildly interesting, and would rate it about 3/5 with the best feature the graphics. I'd love to say that the game is a real grabber, but it isn't. Its a game for the people who like checkers and other board games of that type. If that type of game is your favorite, you'll really like this one, because it has everything going for it except chess, and it even has a tiny bit of chess-like thinking in the placement of the tile you get, in terms of what type of point and bet situation that tile will create if placed in one position versus another. That having been said, you won't find this game to be interesting if you like the shooter games, and it probably won't appeal to the fans of role-playing games. It is what it is, a thoughtful, not too easy exercise in planning, thought and strategy. I suspect that the full version will force you to discard tiles as unusable, but can't be certain. In the demo you could use any tile you got. While I could suggest several improvements in the game, I will say that it was worth downloading, but I doubt I will buy it.

Learn more about this author, V R Rutledge.
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