‘Drop’ and Give Me Ten- Droplitz Reviewed

In the pantheon of puzzle games, there is a single universal axiom- the best diversions are based on a simple premise, yet hold a clandestine amount of depth. While the basic rules of Tetris can be acquired in minutes, the game is still enjoyed by many, twenty years after its release.  Panel de Pon/Planet Puzzle League’s simple tile-switching mechanics hide an extensive combo system, which can sustain a gamer’s attention for lengthy periods.

Yet, for all the games that achieve a rank in the upper echelons of the puzzle genre, far more lead a languished existence. Many are mere derivatives that add a slight variation on top of an existing mechanic; surely veteran gamers have played enough Bejeweled clones to mine every last bit of enjoyment from the aging concept. The latest title from Blitz Games, Droplitz skillfully straddles on the edge of eminence. The game’s design, while not wholly simple, should offer enough originality and depth to attract the affection of puzzle fans.

Droplitz’ gameplay recalls the mechanics of the popular Pipe Mania/Pipe Dreams games, where players create a conduit for flowing liquid. Unlike the overhead perspective displayed in the Lucasarts title, the Droplitz pipeline is affected by gravity. Faucets at the top of the screen persistently release a succession of liquid beads down a labyrinth of spinning dials. Each of these Droplitz follows a predictable route, falling downward, splitting at intersections, and dissipating at an upward junction. Players may manipulate each dial until a waterway reaches from a faucet to a collection reservoir, avoiding creating any dead ends for the diminutive drips.

Once the player constructs a waterway, each dial in the pipeline’s chain becomes locked and glows to indicate a successful formation. At this point, a pink drop is releases from the faucet, and players have until this special globule reaches a reservoir to create additional pipelines. Any newly formed waterways reward the player by advancing the combination multiplayer as well as replenishing the player’s Droplitz supply. The game ends when the player’s cache of Droplitz is depleted, an event that can happen quickly when an operational pipeline isn’t produced.

Like most puzzle games, a verbose description of the title’s mechanics won’t translate to immediate success with Droplitz. Although the game’s working are easily comprehended, the first thirty minutes of the game will likely result in a series of abysmally low scores, and a fragment of frustration. Once that initial period expires, however, a transcendent change of perception will occur. Once this happened, scores and enjoyment of the title skyrocketed, and the ability to assess the overall flow of the Droplitz pipeline materialized. Whereas, a slight haze initially obscured the ability to distinguish feasible pipelines, soon the pathways become increasingly apparent. Like any top-tier puzzler, Droplitz changes your visual discernment, which is the greatest testament one can apply to the genre.

Four modes of play are available in the game, each unlocked after players cross multiple scoring thresholds. Zendurance offers a game free of the escalating tide of difficulty, while Power-Up Mode adds four abilities to assist players, which range from slowing the flow of Droplitz to destroying a bothersome dial. Lastly, Infected mode introduces junctions that once contaminated, slowly rotate, and have the capability to spread to neighboring dials. Sadly, many of the scores to unlock these variants are oppressively high, meaning some game will never see the whole game. Others will bemoan the lack of any multiplayer component in Droplitz. Clearly, cooperative and competitive game options would have added value to this already strong title.

Like the PSP title Lumines, Droplitz offers a shifting graphical delivery, altering colors, backgrounds, and music. Success is rewarded with a ‘reskin’ that adds a dose of personality to the game. Although the visuals are sufficiently lush for a puzzle game, they wisely never obscure the games key components- dials and Droplitz are always effortlessly discernible.  Regretfully, the game’s soundtrack lacks verve; the title deserves a much more dynamic set of sonic accompaniments.

Puzzle fans seeking an original and challenging diversion should seek out Droplitz. Although the title may offer an initial dose of humbling difficulty- stick with it. The game soon blossoms into an addictive puzzler that will warm the heart and tickle the synapses of any gamer fond of the genre.