Challenging yet fun puzzles, a cute theme, and a hilarious companion. Omnicube, the new indie game developed and published by Trykon Studios, offers almost everything that gamers could want in a puzzler. The game encourages players to indulge their creative side while also posing a true test of their ability to work through and solve complex puzzles.
Omnicube commences by giving players some exposition. Players are introduced to Omnicube, a once-omniscient cubelike machine that has lost its memory. Players are assigned with the task of restoring Omnicube's "memory blocks" to their correct positions so that Omnicube can regain its memory.
After this brief introduction to the in-game world, players are thrown into the first of the sixty levels that constitute the essence of Omnicube's gameplay. The character Omnicube stays with players and engages in banter with them, acting as a constant companion who is always ready to deliver a hilarious remark. Omnicube's endearing personality really shine through over the course of the game, which enables players to become invested in helping the machine.
The levels in Omnicube are just as thoughtfully created as Omnicube the character. All levels take place on 14x14 square boards. Players can move blocks vertically or horizontally, but not diagonally. The game’s objective is to steer Omnicube’s jumbled memory blocks into portals. The blocks are blue and pink and need to be directed into their respective blue and pink portals. Players can accomplish this by moving the blocks into different positions around the board that will ultimately enable them to guide the blocks into the portals.
The game adeptly manages the line between being frustratingly difficult and too easy. Omnicube is undeniably hard and really pushes players to think creatively, but it is not too tough that it turns players away. Players will really experience moments of euphoria when they finally puzzle out the solution to a challenging level.
The pacing of the levels scales upward in difficulty in a fashion that enables players to never grow tired of the game’s mechanics. Even during the first level, which focuses on showcasing the manners in which players can move memory blocks, the levels offer much room for exploration. Players can experiment with moving the blocks to see what options open up after a few moves.
However, players will want to complete Omnicube’s levels in as few moves as possible. The game tracks how many moves a player uses to complete a level and then assigns the player a rating based on how many moves he or she makes. The level reset button is easily accessible on the top right of the screen, so players can invest a few tries experimenting with the level before perfecting their routes to the portals and securing a cherished three-star rating. The rating system really adds to Omnicube, as it imbues the game with a lot of potential for replayability.
The game’s one real negative is its graphics. Those accustomed to high-resolution 3D games with lush and detailed environments will likely be disappointed by game’s gray tones and black and lifeless background. However, players who can look past this drawback will have the opportunity to indulge in a truly great puzzler.
Rating: 9/10
