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My first impression of this game and what I thought about it once I had played it for an hour were about as different as you can get. Rooms by Handmade Games really sneaks up on you and grabs your attention. Although the graphics and music are on the low tech side the mind and vision behind this game amazed me.

The graphics consist of still room shots in squares that must be moved around to get your guy out of each level. The figure or little guy is a real person that is dressed like someone from the Matrix. You move your player around with the arrow keys and you move the rooms and pick up objects needed to continue play with the mouse. The switching back and forth from mouse to keyboard is the only negative thing I found with the game. If the designers could find a way to move the player without using the arrow keys the game would be much more enjoyable to play.

The first level is very easy to beat; giving you the impression that this game isn't much of a challenge. By the 10th level you will be wondering if you are ever going to finish the levels at all. I am just glad they incorporated a button that allows you to start the level over again without restarting the game. Each screen adds more twists and obstacles that you must overcome to finish the level. You have to collect objects like keys, oxygen tanks and even explosives to get from room to room in the higher levels.

My favorite part of the game is the phones which were taken straight out of the Matrix movie series. You pick up the phone and you are transported to a phone in another part of the puzzle. Your player turns into computer code before he is transported, which I thought was a nice touch.

Not every object has the same function on each level; for example, the wardrobes, on some levels they help you switch rooms and on some levels they make the rooms themselves change places while you remain in the same spot. If you need help all you have to do is pick up the newspaper and read it.

It is the same basic principle as those square sliding puzzles we all played with as children, but this game will challenge and exercise your mind beyond what a simple child's toy could. In a world of bloody violent video games I found Rooms to be a refreshing and innovative alterative. I give this game 4.5 out of 5.

Learn more about this author, Kendall Smith.
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