14 DAY TRIAL // You can't get enough puzzlers for your Nintendo DS, thus Atari today announced the forthcoming launch of kawaii puzzler Trioncube - a game developed by Namco Bandai. This puzzler will challenge even veterans of the genre when it launches for Nintendo's handheld gaming system across Europe in June 2007.
Players take the role of captain - captain who? Just captain - on the mighty space ship Penko and embarks on a journey across eight planets into the depths of space to rescue the fair princess from the grasp of the handsome villain Hell Metal (Mental would have been better). In order to progress in their quest, players must create chains of 3x3 blocks which propel the space ship forward. It's simple really: the bigger the chain, the further the ship hurtles through space (the main puzzler recipe), but the clock is ticking.
However, the game distinguishes itself as traditional puzzlers' objective is to quickly erase as many blocks as possible. Trioncube is different. Players have to consider creating the ultimate chain of 3x3 blocks before the screen fills up or the chain clock runs out. So right from the start, gamers are faced with many more obstacles, making it even more attractive. Each new stage calls for different strategies as players have to frantically slot various shaped blocks into their growing chains. Coins collected from the chains enable you to buy numerous in-game items to help you on your so called adventure.
Here are some specific features of the game
- it has 4 game modes: travel through 8 planets to defeat the Space Monster on Arcade Mode, tackle 45 missions to rescue the Princess, or try and reach Dimension 99 (can't find the fourth one so don't swear); - you can either challenge a friend or match up with him against Hell Metal to test stacking skills; - customizing: 50 effects and 10 screen arts to create your very own look; - shapes and strategies: 5 different shapes are available for gamers to strategize and create thir ultimate chain without breaking the 3x3 stacks; saving coins: accumulate coins through your games to purchase the effects and arts upper mentioned.
Remember, there's another original and addictive puzzler coming in June 2007, from Namco Bandai this time, for the Nintendo DS handheld gaming system.