Developed by Arkedo Studio
Released for Xbox Live Indie Games (10/2009)
Also on PS3
Arkedo Series - 002 Swap! is Arkedo's second indie title to be released on XBLIG, as the game's title indicates. This time around, rather than the game being a platformer like the company's previous entry, the game is a match-four color puzzler. The game's presentation is top-notch and really feels like something that should have been released on the Xbox Live Arcade, where it surely would have reached a larger audience of gamers. The premise of the game is to match up four blocks of the same color. You have the ability to highlight any block using the left stick and shift it whatever direction you like using the right stick. This control scheme is intuitive and simple, allowing anybody to hop right in and start matching blocks. It definitely feels a lot less restrictive than a game like Bejeweled, as the freedom you're given to move the blocks at your will seems rare in these types of games (I'm not an absolute puzzle nut, but I do enjoy the genre).
At the title screen you're given a choice between castle and arcade modes. Castle is the campaign-style mode, which has five chapters and is not playable in the trial version of the game. Arcade mode is great if you want to just hop in and play. It offers three varying difficulties and keeps track of the top score. It would have been nice to have a high score table, but keeping tabs on at least the top score is better than none at all. At the menu you also have a challenges menu, which is this game's version of achievements that will not be tied to your gamertag unfortunately (due to XBLIG restrictions). The game retailed for $2.99 and was a real treat for puzzle fans. Like Jump!, this game was also released for the PS3 complete with trophy support, making it the more definitive version of this title.
Final Verdict: Arkedo Series - 002 Swap! is a simple yet solid little puzzle game. If you like games like Bejeweled or Candy Crush, give this one a try!
Related Links:
Arkedo Series - 001 Jump! - Xbox Overview
Arkedo Series - 003 Pixel - Xbox Overview
Arkedo Series - 002 Swap! - GameFAQs
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