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[i]Find The Balance[/i] is a really fun and cheap little physics and balancing puzzle game. How to describe it in brief? It's reverse Jenga with pretty well-simulated physics, and with a lot of objects of different sizes and shapes. On top of that, beyond the single-player modes, of which there are 4, there are 3 two-player competitive couch coop modes available.
[h1]Gameplay[/h1]
Everything about the gameplay revolves around the physics. You always start with a particular shape or item on the bottom, and you progressively stack more oddly shaped items on top. There are several game modes available, but they all use the same mechanic. You can rotate each item and move it to precisely where you want, and then snip the attachment to drop it into place.
The Classic mode involves the need to balance all of the preset objects on the existing one, with the total time spent determining your score. Stars mode is similar, but includes 3 stars on the screen, and you would want to balance these items but also cover up the stars. You earn as many stars as those you cover up in this mode. These two modes combine to form the preset puzzle levels for single-player play in this game. And there are more than 100 levels in total.
There is an Endless mode, where your objective is to stack as many objects as possible, before you are unable to achieve a continued balance. And lastly is the Autofall mode, which is essentially Endless mode timed, because the objects are falling one by one. So you don't have to do any snipping, unless you wish to do so. Once the object comes into contact with the existing pile, the attachment automatically breaks. For these two modes, there are global Steam leaderboards available. Also, these two modes give randomized items to make sure each time you play, you have a different experience.
In addition, you can experience competitive item stacking in couch-coop mode with one other player. This will require one player to use keyboard, while another to use a controller. I tested these modes and they work well. The three modes are split screen Speed Stack and Autofall modes. Each player tries to outdo one another on their respective sides of the screens. In addition, there is an Adding Blocks mode, which is like playing Jenga in reverse. You two take alternative turns stacking onto the tower, whoever's turn causes the items to tumble loses.
There are unlockable string snippers (cosmetic only) in game from performing well in single-player puzzle modes as well.
[h1]Controls[/h1]
Single-player mode can be played with controller or keyboard. It's easy to figure out the controls with a controller, but the on-screen display shows the keyboard bindings only.
Two-player competitive couch coop mode requires two different inputs.
Both the keyboard and controller controls work very well, I tested both, including in two-player modes.
[h1]Graphics and Music[/h1]
Pretty simple 2D graphics, overall pretty adorable to look at.
The music is not outstanding, but there are different soundstracks there. You can also play your own music in the background, as always.
[h1]Audience[/h1]
Good for everyone, from the youngest players who may wish to play by intuition alone, to the adult, calculating player who wishes to think several steps ahead. It's also a game that's good for an adult to play with their child and help them through the critical thinking required for good physics and balance. Don't be surprised if someone who is still in elementary/primary school to start schooling you in competitive runs.
[h1]Positives[/h1]
+Good physics simulation in 2D
+4 single-player modes, including preset puzzles in two of the modes
+3 two-player competitive couch coop modes
+Controller support
+Fun both by yourself and with a friend or family member
+Cheap (Base price is $1.99 USD)
+Steam Achievements
+Steam Leaderboards for two single-player modes
+Optional skin unlocks through playing
+Cute graphics and amusing items
[h1]Negatives[/h1]
-Really can't think of any. For a game that aims to be a casual and fun game that is based on balancing physics, it is pretty good.
[h1]Conclusion[/h1]
[i]Find The Balance[/i] is good, is casual, and is fun, for one player or two in competitive couch coop modes. The game is simple in design and cheap to buy. It is a good indie title that unfortunately many will skip over, but if what I have written interests you at all, I encourage you to check it out. It's worth your time.
[quote]I received the product for free. I did not receive any compensation to write this review. The opinions represented here are entirely my own and were not influenced in any way.[/quote]
