[b]shape cascade[/b] can be likened to tetris in a roundabout way, because they both have falling shapes to deal with in the nick of time, but in this game you're controlling a paddle, trying to push or hit each shape where they belong.
there are [b]15 levels[/b] and you only have a short time on each to get as many points as you can, or at least as much as necessary to reach the next level. there are no lives, you can keep trying the same level as long as you like, but failure will reset points to the amount you first came to the level with (which can be quite close to the goal already if you luck into a bunch of stars), and going back to the main menu will end the current game and you have to start over next time from level 1.
a new paddle gets unlocked after every 3 levels and you can instantly switch between available ones with the 'q' key. both keyboard and a controller can be used to move around, but mouse only works in the menu (where the controller doesn't). it's a shame, even if it would've made the game a lot easier. I haven't tried a controller, might be better than the keys.
landing a shape in its corresponding area gives 10 points, the same gets taken away if they land where they shouldn't, and you can hit shapes off the top of the screen, which doesn't give any points, but doesn't take any away either. [b]power-ups[/b] can help, the clock gives a few extra seconds, a falling star's worth 100 points, hitting the so-called laughman is 200, and coins net 25 points each, but those have to be hit with a shape, not the paddle itself.
the presentation in the gameplay area is okay, the [b]pixel art backgrounds are great[/b], too bad there's only three of them, and I [b]loved the upbeat and varied music[/b], except for a single song with what sounds like an accordion. no, thanks. turning the music on and off skips to the next track though, but there are [b]no volume sliders[/b]. no resolution options either, just a window size toggle, has five states, one being full screen, good enough.
if you're competent, it can be a short experience, but I'm not built for physics-based games that require quick reflexes, so I only got as far as level 6, and I hear difficulty ramps up even more after that. no puzzling to speak of, but a fan of physics-based games might want to give it a shot, especially at such a friendly price.
