Puzzle Boy for PCE

Image: MobyGames

Puzzle Boy

Potato Sokoban

Genre: puzzle - overhead

Publisher: Telenet Japan

Year: 1991

System: PCE

Gameplay Score: 3

Gameplay Notes:

Also released on Game Boy as Kwirk. Plays very similar to the Sokoban games, which I enjoyed. This one involves moving boxes but also rotating blocks on a fixed axis to create a path to the exit. There are over 100 levels and my brain was mush after about 15 of them, so I don't think I'd come back to this game. Still, the controls are stupid simple (just walk) so it's easy to jump into and game for a few minutes.

Level Design Score: 3

Level Design Notes:

The difficulty spikes early and doesn't let go. The levels are very well made but require a precise solution that doesn't allow for much freedom. The saving grace is that there are multiple modes, including a free mode where you can skip to and play any stage you want. I swear a couple of these have no viable solution, so the ability to skip without any penalty is huge.

Theme Score: 3

Theme Notes:

Do games like this need a theme? This is as bare-bones as a game can get. You play as a potato (I think) and the stage select screen has a tomato with long eyelashes, so, love interest? Is that you Princess Tomato?

Art Style Score: 3

Art Style Notes:

Extremely simple, yet effective. It's an overhead grid-based area with a strong visual language for movable blocks and the other interactive elements.

Audio Score: 2

Audio Notes:

The song is 50s or 60s pop. It's fun for a few stages but gets old quickly. I muted it after 8 levels.

Overall Score: 58

Review ID: 8115