Roogoo
is a refreshing take on the falling blocks type of puzzle game, as in Dr.
Mario and Tetris. However, this time players have to choose the correct shape
of hole for the blocks, rather like an infant’s sorting container. This is no
baby game, though, and after the first few levels you may find yourself
asking, “Am I smarter than a toddler?”
Reflexes and
quick thinking is the key to this game. The premise is simple, yet difficult
to accomplish on the harder levels and settings. There are platforms that are
spaced in a stack with spaces between each platform. These platforms have
holes that are in various geometric shapes. The blocks are the same shapes,
and players will need to rotate the platforms to line the correct hole with
the corresponding falling block. The blocks will either fall through a hole,
or stack on top of matching blocks. If the block hits the wrong hole, it will
bounce off.
The levels begin
easily enough, but soon progress in difficulty. There are more types of shapes
which fall faster, and annoying little creatures called
Meemoo (don’t ask, the background story isn’t important) that stand in
your way on the platforms. The platforms will sometimes flip over, and there
are shutters that close the holes periodically. Different colors are also
introduced. And watch out for the butterflies!
There is a
two-player competitive mode that can be played split-screen. The interface is
simplicity itself, with movement accomplished by the arrows on the keyboard.
The viewpoint is fine for the most part, but sometimes the platforms aren’t
positioned well for easy viewing. This can cause problems in deciding where
the falling blocks need to go.
The graphics are
colorful, but there isn’t a whole lot of animation going on besides the
falling shapes and rotating platforms. The music is upbeat and catchy, and
fits the overall theme well.
Roogoo
is a casual game, and can be purchased as a download or by retail purchase,
for around $20. This is the standard price for this type of game.
Roogoo is a nice puzzle game for anyone that
enjoys action puzzlers, and offers quite a bit of strategic thinking, besides
just requiring quick reflexes. I recommend this game for fans of casual puzzle
games, who enjoy a bit of a challenge.
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Gameplay: 7
Roogoo
offers a lot of fun for puzzle fans who enjoy quick-paced puzzle games. There
are 45 levels, which is enough to keep everyone busy for awhile. The 2-player
mode also adds to the fun. However, despite the different types of things
going on in each level, there isn’t a whole lot of variety in the basic puzzle
structure.
Graphics: 7
The
graphics are slightly above average and cute.
Sound: 7.5
The
music is better than usual for this type of game.
Difficulty:
Medium
It
depends on which difficulty level is chosen.
Concept: 7
This
game has some new techniques, but the basic puzzle action is the same as most
other falling shapes puzzlers. The execution is nice, though.
Multiplayer: 7.5
The
2-player mode is fun with either a friend or family member. The view is a
split-screen for simultaneous play.
Overall: 7
This
game is a fun falling shapes casual game. It’s easy to pick up and play, and
hard to put down at first. However, after a few hours players will probably
get a little tired of playing. It’s a great choice for families, as all ages
can play. It’s especially fun to play 2-player and see
who’s really the quickest thinker.
