iPhone App: Alchemize

November 5th, 2009

= 4 stars

Variation on the “match three falling items” genre, featuring objects that morph into others, making the game progressively harder.

The Good

Simple gameplay that results in a solid game due to simple rules. Three or more of the identical adjacent item removes them from the board, and a new item appears in their place. Then get three of those new items next to each other, and that new piece begins appearing in the pair of items that drop from the top of the screen. The challenge increases quickly, because matches become more difficult with each new item appearing in your dropping-repertoire. Soon the board fills up and you lose.
The variety of objects inspires repeat gameplay. I’ve only gotten up to snowflakes (number 9) and there are many more to go (27).
A recent update added some additional modes for variety: “Blitz” mode features a smaller screen and only seven elements to deal with, and “Gone In 20 Seconds” mode has no falling pieces to control; just tap on the screen to rearrange elements into matches. Both modes are much faster paced.

The Bad

The menu screen and settings surround the game itself are oddly designed. It’s hard to tell what to tap on, and the three-dimensional font used is difficult to read.

Conclusion

Great game based on a deceptively smart variation of the match-falling-items genre. Recommended.

iTunes App Store Link: