by Rolland Judd

Created on: January 09, 2009   Last Updated: January 12, 2009

Spirit of Metropolis is one of the most innovative "match-three" games available today. Although there isn't much as far as a storyline is concerned this challenging game is not your traditional match-three. Whether you are playing the arcade mode or the puzzle mode you are in for a demanding test of your wit with each level you encounter in Spirit of Metropolis.

Created and developed by an independent game designer Spirit of Metropolis takes the "match-three" genre of games to another level. The style of play is very unique. Instead of merely matching similarly colored objects with one another and having them disappear, like most match-three type games, the player creates "chains" of similar objects that can be split when done properly. This gives the player the ability to create more chains and thus score more points to finish the level within the allotted amount of time.

As far as a storyline to keep you moving along, there really isn't one. That being said, the game really stands on its own without a creative storyline to back it up. In fact the game is so challenging that a storyline would be more of a distraction than anything else. Gamers will find themselves immersed in the intricate puzzles and possibilities and won't miss the lack of a story at all.

Spirit of Metropolis is unfortunately lacking in the music department. Very quiet, soft music is barely audible in the background of all the levels you come across. Also, the sound effects are very run-of-the-mill. The gems you try and eradicate through creating chains "explode" in a very mundane fashion as far as the sound effects are concerned and they also don't seem to match up completely with the graphics.

The graphics themselves are decent enough, but certainly nothing special. Gems explode when you get rid of them and as they do fireworks off where the gem once was. The gems themselves give off a slight glimmer while they sit on the board and certain gems glow white indicating they represent a new chain, but that is pretty much it as far as graphics for this game are concerned.

What makes Spirit of Metropolis a truly great game is the game play and innovation. Gamers that enjoy match-three style games aren't usually looking for stunning graphics or an epic soundtrack. They want a challenge, and this is what Spirit of Metropolis delivers on. Players will find themselves furiously trying to place gems down in time to score enough points to pass levels in arcade mode and they will be scratching their heads as they try their hand at the puzzle mode.

Spirit of Metropolis scores a big 4/5 overall for the most unique match-three game currently on the market. It takes the entire genre to the next level. This game will surely be what new game developers study as they try to inspire themselves with new ideas on how to go about creating a match-three game that gamers will enjoy enough to purchase. If you're a gamer seeking a challenge Spirit of Metropolis is your Holy Grail.

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