[b]Sandmade[/b] is one of those puzzle games that will really click for some people, and [i]really[/i] not for others -- just a brief browse of the reviews will tell you that. The thing is, I don't think much of this variation has to do with the game itself. Does that sound a bit like I'm choosing a longwinded way of saying "skill issue"? Eh, maybe, but that's not my meaning.
See, I think this game just taps into the differences in how folks visualize and problem solve, and the game actually offers ways for those who desire or require a more tactile approach to take that on. Before you put the two pieces together, you can spin them around and get a good look at them before committing...or you can get a look from a distance, maybe match a few blocks or some vibe that you can't quite explain and quickly put them together. Either approach can work. I, myself, mostly did the latter and got through the game in roughly an hour, earning all achievements.
I wouldn't say it was "difficult," but I wouldn't say it was without challenges either. The game does require that you think and take whatever approach you find most effective for you to solve the puzzles. When you make a mistake really only two things happen: 1. you lose your streak that is required to earn a couple of achievements and 2. the level just resets with different variant blocks. The blocks are procedurally generated, more or less, so you can't just cheese the game by looking up the solution. I find this approach rather nice as, technically, the game is as replayable as you want it to be and the game doesn't punish you for getting it wrong -- it just says "try again."
As far as everything else goes, the visuals and sounds are sufficient for what we're doing here. I mean, the whole game is just smacking blocks together at the click of a mouse, so we're not revolutionizing the gaming industry here. Also, the game is $0.99 retail and goes on sale for [b]$0.49.[/b] It's a great deal if you consider it from a trip to the arcade perspective. You're putting down a dollar or a couple quarters for unlimited plays at a puzzle game, essentially; and, for your efforts, you can get earn some achievements. There are some who might play through this and find it a bit monotonous, and I can't blame them for getting that impression as you are just doing variations on the same puzzle concept throughout your time here. Still, I could say the same thing about doing sudoku or solitaire, and I playing around with those games. So, novelty and mileage may vary, but fundamentally the game succeeds in its delivery.
So, [b]TL;DR, I [i]recommend picking up this game, [u]especially[/u] if you see it on sale![/i] It's a decent, very affordable brainteaser that's perfect for achievement hunters. I liked it![/b]
