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GAME REVIEWED: Kula World
RELEASED BY: SCEE
PRICE: £34.99
REVIEWED BY: A.K.
REVIEW: -
On paper, most puzzle games sound boring with very little to offer the Playstation's demur, but most of them turn out to be great games in the end, for example, actress, with the dust the move series, and Fleming's. Kula World has shaped up to be a great game as one of the best thought out, most devious, mind mashing puzzles seen since the Rubik's cube was imported.
The objective for each different level is quite simple, find the key and then head for the exit, staying fully inflated is another matter entirely, as is taying on the magnetic platforms which have four sifdes for which you can roll your ball onto, but these structures tend to flip and rotate around you, shifting your view and altering the gravity of the situation. What is up and down depends on your current perspective, so it may be possible to pick up an out of reach key by nipping round to the other side of the platform you are on and jumping down on to it. It sounds difficult, and it is difficult but by increasing the difficulty with each new stage, Kula World gives you the chance to gradually get used to the game and everything it can throw at you.
More puncture-causing obstacles are gradually introduced as the difficulty increases and you have to put to good use what you have learnt in the easier levels to avoid getting a puncture and having to start all over again. Fortunately, the only way of falling off is to jump rather than the possibility of rolling over the edge, but although it doesn't sound too dangerous, you need to spring through the air to land on platforms far below the find many of the keys, if you end up falling to the ground you have only got yourself to blame because of Kula World's precise, fiddle free controls.
The levels might not look as though they have much variety, with only scenery changes and new obstacles as you progress, but given their superbly devious and design, Kula World soon coaxes you into its twisted, uniquely topsy-turvy way of thinking as you are made to search for different, far from obvious solutions to complete the level.
A tight time limit on each stage makes you attempt risky moves as the seconds tick away. The time limit also makes it frustrating when you get stuck, but what would a puzzle game be without those moments which cause you to scream obscenities at your joypad or TV.
It might not be to every Playstation gamers taste, but it is a great challenging game that will keep you and your brain occupied for ages with it's tons of great varying levels with a superbly smooth 3D look. Kula World is definitely a game for the puzzlers in this world, and it probably makes a great game for someone who's got the time for it.
SCORE:
84%
LINKS: www.scee.com