Geomex: Spatial Puzzler [Updated]

Posted on October 7th, 2008. Written by Arron.

While not the original ‘Tetris’ – Geomex provides a colourful inviting UI, a multitude of gaming modes, and a few unique spatial twists. Hit the jump for the full look …

[Update 09.11.08 @ 01.54am] Caffeine Moster Software have just this minute released a LITE version of Geomex. It’s FREE, and available here [App Store].

New to the App Store scene, and their first ever iPhone title, Caffeine Monster Software introduce Geomex [App Store], the new spatial puzzler for iPhone and iPod touch.

Aim
I shouldn’t really compare this title to Tetris, as it’s core gaming value isn’t anything related to that of Tetris, however something about the game screams it. The aim of Geomex is to clear the board of it’s geometric shapes, before the time runs down to nil – But it’s not as easy as you might think it would be …

There are 5 (progressively more difficult) gaming modes offered by Geomex. These include;

• Arcade Mode
  The default mode of Geomex, you must match similar adjacent shapes of different colour to make them disappear. The more shapes you match, the more time you gain to finish the game and level up. You can also make combos. Combos are created by starting your second selection off with a coloured shape the same colour as the last shape in the first selection (confusing I know – but you’ll get the hang of it).

• Chain Mode
  Not too dissimilar to arcade mode, the aim of this mode is to match similar adjacent shapes of different colour to make them disappear. The only difference here being, every move now must run on from each other in colour a chain. For example, if the selection you choose to get rid of ends with a red block, your next selection must start with a red block. Although simple, this is completely challenging when more blocks are continuously added to the board.

• Mono Mode
  Introducing even more challenges, this mode brings ‘mono’ Grey blocks which cannot be matched together with any other blocks on the board.

• Puzzler Mode
  24 sub-levels, Puzzler mode combines all of the above modes, and this time, instead of filling the board, starts you off with a selection of random pieces. As with previous levels, match similar adjacent shapes of different colour to make them disappear, Grey blocks cannot be matched together with any other blocks on the board and moves must form a chain of colour.

• Clear! Mode
  The finally mode of Geomex is possibly the most challenging. Each round lasts for 2 minutes. The board is not refilled. When there are no more possible moves available, the board level’s up. Bonuses are collected dependent on how ‘clear’ you make the board.

Visuals & Sound
Although simple, Geomex features a selection of geometrical, highly colourful playing pieces. Not overly flashy, and not like some of the more badly designed titles on the store. As you can probably see, from the game play experienced with Geomex, the visuals on this title are spot on. Colored pieces are outlined by white which acts as an enhance from the purposely blank backdrop. So that’s the visuals sorted, now onto sound. Geomex features cute sounds, and these show their face when a match is made successfully in regards to the rules set out for the said game mode.

Price
£3.99 – It’s ok, but it could be better. I’m willing to pay for anything, I’m not one of these: ‘OMG why is everything in the world not FREE!!!11! – now I’m going to sulk in the corner cos it’s not ..” kinda guys, but £3.99 is slightly pushing the barrier, if I’m honest. After saying this, it’s re-play value is quite high when you get into it, and considering EA’s Tetris is currently selling for £4.99, it doesn’t seem so bad. I think £1.79 could be the golden price point for Geomex though – lower it, and it should fly off the shelve in my opinion.

Overall
I personally think the price could be lowered, dramatically, however, what we loved was the concept of the entire game, and the various gaming modes which ultimately challenge you progressively. Addictive, fun and well designed, we had to weigh up what to rate this at, and taking everything into account, we gave Geomex a very respectable 6.8/10 leaving room for improvement in other areas.

Rating: 6.8/10 (Improvement needed, Respectable title)

Grab your Copy: Geomex

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James, our new author, talks to gaming giant Pangea Software, makers of Enigmo and Cromag Rally – Exclusively – about their future intentions of mobile software on iPhone and iPod touch. Don’t miss it – only here on RazorianFly.com
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