Circletris: Tetris? Vertical Match-3? That’s in the Past!
Tetris clones are a plenty in the App Store. We reviewed a similar one like that, called 
Unify, and it worked well because it introduced an entirely new, innovative concept to Tetris-like gaming. Circletris is here to follow in the same footsteps by introducing it’s OWN new conception of a puzzle, match 3 game.
The main difference from other Tetris clones is in the controls. In Circletris, you are controlling a big circle with cells. You can rotate it in any direction with a slide of your finger across the screen. You have to build either vertically, horizontally, or even diagonally 3 of the same shapes of the same color.
For now, you have 2 bonus-abilities which will help you in your quest to complete the puzzle. By getting your falling block to catch the “light blue” shape, you will be awarded with the bonus ability that knocks out a whole line of colors. However, there are also black holes that if your falling block falls into it will hinder your success rate.
Controls:
With such a daring take on a match 3 puzzle game, and the controls being so different than many gamers have played in the past, a lot of questions will be if the game executed well in the controls department. Daniel’s here to report that the controls are solid. Although it may take a little while to realize what the heck you are doing, (the whole template looks like a spider-web), once you get the hang of it, it’s quite an interesting experience.
It twists your brain and challenges you to go beyond the regular vertical and horizontal. Rotating the puzzle works well and the tutorial helps point you in the right direction with information about powerups and tips etc. The main complaint I had was there was no way to speed up the “falling” of your shape, like most other games have. It speeds up later in the game, but the beginning feels like forever because they are trying to get you accustomed with the controls.
What We Liked:
+ Shapes of 10 different colors + Different bonuses + Customizable background color + Friendly learning curve
What We Disliked:
- The game as a whole feels too plain and simple – No sound effects for powerups – No speed up button – Not enough abilities/powerups – Visuals are unimpressive
Final Verdict:
A risky take on a match 3 Tetris app, Circletris actually is a very well done game with load of polish and feels like a lot of work has been put into it. I recommend this game to match-3 puzzlers everywhere because the game is so unique and innovative and is a whole different kind of experience. Though it may seem like a complicated and convoluted premise, the game is quite simple and easy to learn and pick up for any kind of player. If it weren’t for the graphics and the feel of the game feeling a little too simple, this game would be in the “must-buy” category.
Related posts:
- Colorix: A Visually Stunning Match-Three Puzzler
- Links iPhone Review: A Nice Tetris Look-a-like Clone
- Steamballs: An Inventive Twist on Match-3
Category: Games
Agree with what you say about the simplistic graphics, but some of the best puzzlers are just that because they don’t distract you from the core gameplay. Contrast the difference between UNIFY (dead simple graphics) and LUMINES (awesome visuals). In the end, those graphics can only enhance what needs to be excellent core gameplay.
The video does show what the game is about and how it offers something different, but I can’t help wondering if the game would benefit from having a greater overall view of the entire circle… you’re almost relying on memory to find that slot that requires that one last red block.