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Simple. That's the main word I would choose to describe Obulis, a unique puzzle game produced by IonFX. It's so simple, in fact, that it's challenging.

The object of Obulis is to get each colored ball into the container of the same color. That's pretty simple. Figuring out how to get the ball from point A to point B is the challenging part.

A map is used to guide you through your journey. When you first begin a level, all the balls are still. It's your job to get things in motion by cutting the chains or ropes to release the balls. Then you must harness the power of gravity and momentum to get the balls into the correct pots. Releasing the balls in the right sequence and at the right time is vital to success. When you complete a major path on the map, a medallion is awarded.

Just one wrong or ill-timed move will cause you to fail a level, so be prepared to try and retry levels until you pass them. It only took me about three or four attempts to conquer most levels in the demo, but there were a few I just couldn't figure out. The "Show Solution" feature really came in handy at those times. (The solution button seems to be available only in the lower difficulty levels. You can find it on the right side of the screen.) If you know you've made a mistake, just click the "Retry Level" button on the upper left hand side of the screen to immediately undo all your previous moves and start again.

Simplicity is usually not a favorable characteristic when it comes to video games, but Obulis is an exception to this rule. Everything about the game exudes a minimal, tranquil, Zen-like vibe. It transports you back to the ancient orient with its gently animated nature scenes and soothing sound effects. The graphics are sharp and clean with just the right amount of color: not too bright, not too drab. The heavy clank of weighted balls hitting each other, the white noise of a rushing waterfall, and the bong of a gong are the types of sounds you'll hear. There's absolutely nothing fancy about them, but they are perfect for this game. Much of the background music is reminiscent of traditional music of the Far East, which further draws you into the setting and feel of Obulis.

I give Obulis a glowing 5/5 rating. I rarely give perfect scores to games, but I can't seem to find one thing I don't like about Obulis. It's a simple yet challenging, well put together game, and that's no easy feat. Even the demo is above average, offering an ample amount of levels to play, with no time limit. IonFX did a great job with this one, and I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys puzzle games. It'll keep you entertained (and thinking) for hours.

Learn more about this author, Cynthia Heard.
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