by Joan Inong

Created on: November 12, 2009

The description provided with SlideRules says that if you are bored with puzzle games that provide you with easy and mindless tasks, then SlideRules is for you. Naturally, I thought that was me. After all, I do sometimes get bored with the puzzle game apps that I already have, and I am always on the lookout for new ones. So, I decided to download SlideRules and take up its developers' challenge.

Pros:

SlideRules is a fun game. If I were to rate it on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the best score, I would give this game a 6. This is because the concept is very well thought out and I think it is rather unique. However, it also loses points for the way that those concepts are executed. After all, with a very good game concept like that, other things, such as graphics and gameplay, must naturally follow.

Also, SlideRules is easy to learn. I was able to start playing within a couple of minutes, and I was getting into the game. I could also give this to a younger person and he or she could easily learn how to play in just a few minutes. I think that the appropriate age range for this app is wide reaching, which makes it very good for anyone, anywhere, who wants to spend their spare minutes productively.

The price is also good. The app right now is free, and I believe that the developers are going to come out with a full version soon enough.

Cons:

Because the price of the app is non-existent, the developers also have the ability to create an app that really is not mind-blowing. However, I think that this ultimately goes against what they really want to do. For example, if they want their customers to get excited about the full version, it would definitely make sense for the developers to offer a free version that will blow the customers' minds away. That way, they will want (or need) to get the full version. I don't think that this app does that.

I also think that there could be a better way to implement different difficulties. For example, there should be a clear distinction between levels designed for beginners and levels designed for experts.

All in all, I recommend SlideRules because a) it offers a fun, unique puzzle game and, b) it is free. Other than that, I would like to see the developers' full version, first.

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