Magic Point an Intriguing IQ Test-like Puzzle Game, Not so Challenging
by Paul Wilks
Aug 12, 2011 10:44 AM –
Install
Magic Point is a new visual logic game on Android. While having quite a simple layout, the puzzle itself is a genuine synaptic challenge that requires concentration and more than a dab of patience. Those familiar with IQ tests might recognize the concept of completing a sequence or images, the levels gradually getting harder. Might not be your cup of tea if you’re not keen on puzzle games, but well worth considering if you like brain busting challenges!
Price: Free, $0.99
Tested on: HTC Desire HD
Content Rating: Everyone
Pros & Cons:
Pros
- A genuinely tricky challenge.
- Simple controls and navigation.
- Clear, bright, simple layout.
- Few but nice graphical flourishes.
Cons
- The game is very forgiving. You can complete some levels with random guesses rather than working the puzzle out.
- Only 20 levels.
Features:
Magic Point is a new logic puzzle game on Android that fans of tricky mind-benders should be very interested in. The game presents you with 20 levels of visual logic puzzles which are genuinely challenging, even from the beginning. The idea is to complete a sequence. On every level, you are given 4 boxes, each with a particular combination of dots within. These dots represent a sequence that you are expected to continue by choosing one of the 4 options available at the bottom of the screen. These options appear quite convincing, and the puzzle is rarely straightforward. You have to work out what will come next based on the clues you are given: dots move, disappear, reappear and so on.
This kind of puzzle might be familiar to people who have taken similar logic tests, especially IQ-type tests which attempt to measure cognition. The levels take quite a bit of working out and offer a genuinely tough challenge to get right. One issue here however is that if you get the answer wrong, you get another go. Although the possible answers move about to confuse you a little, you can more or less reduce the possibilities and still pass the level. I would rarely say this, but I think the game perhaps needs to be less helpful- perhaps instead forcing you to start again with a different puzzle. Instead, you can essentially fumble your way through the game by guessing without actually working the puzzles out.
The layout is quite basic, but you’ll be too involved working the sequences out to worry too much about the aesthetics. There are a few little graphical flourishes; wobbling boxes on the level select screen and rotating options on the main menu, but the delight of this game lies in the challenge it presents. The other thing which was slightly disappointing is the fact there are only 20 levels in the paid version, which I think is far too few, even for tricky games like this.
For puzzle fans though, this is definitely worth checking out. If you have smart kids, get them to have a go too! 
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Magic Point – You can revisit completed levels if you want to
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Magic Point – Work out the sequence from the top squares, then choose the next logical square from the options below
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Magic Point – Sequences become harder to work out
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Magic Point – Levels are quite tough, and get marginally tricker as the levels progress
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Magic Point – Got this one wrong to begin with
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Magic Point – Thumbs up if you get the right answer
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Magic Point – Menu
Fun Factor:
If you like such games, you will find this a satisfying and fun challenge. With limited levels though, this might be a bit short lived. Once you have completed the levels, you might not feel the need to visit the game again, and perhaps there isn’t anything to draw you back once you have finished.
Addictive:
As you progress through the levels, and if you are strict about working the puzzles out instead of guessing, the game is certainly addictive to start with. However, once you finish the levels there is little to become addicted to. If certain elements were added like a scoring formula; more points for completing it on first guess or within a certain time, perhaps with more levels and online scoring, this would make players want to return again and again to improve their scores. The concept is superb; simple, well executed and can be very tough indeed but the platform seems a bit limited.
Graphics:
The graphics are quite basic, but are very clear and has an easy user interface. There are some nice little graphical touches too but the game itself is about the puzzles rather than a lush graphical element.
Accelerometer, Vibration & Sound:
Unfortunately there is no sound, and little need for vibration or accelerometer use.
Tags:
Android App,
Android Apps,
Android Game,
AndroidTapp.com App Review,
IQ Test,
logic,
Magic Point,
Puzzle,
puzzle game
Categorised in: Brain & Puzzle
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