A surprisingly good and innovative puzzle game.
Gameplay:
Aquia is a unique experience similar to other classic puzzle games like Bejeweled . In the game, you take control of a rectangle that contains small squares. You move this rectangle around a board, which appears in both screens, and insert the squares that it contains into a specific part of the board, taking another set of squares with you. The game is controlled completely with the D-pad and buttons. The objective of the game is to match three or more squares of the same color in order to eliminate them. Do this many times until you earn enough points to finish a level.
In the game, there are three different rectangles that you can use. Each one of them feels unique and has you slightly modifying your strategy.
For most of the game, you'll need combos, which are quick successions of square eliminations. Combos can be done in many ways and they help you clear a level quickly. As you progress through the game, the levels become harder, eventually making it impossible to beat them without some great combos.
If you're not quick enough in eliminating squares, the screens gradually blacken until you can't see anything anymore and you lose. To avoid this from happening, you must eliminate a special type of squares that lighten the whole area. These "light squares" are visible in the dark.
At the end of each level there is a "challenge", which you must complete quickly. This "challenge" has the player making a particular shape using squares.
Beating a level unlocks different aquariums where you can watch some fish swim around. These aquariums are relaxing to watch, but get boring quickly.
Aside of the main mode, there is Free Dive, in which you attempt to get a high score and continue endlessly until you lose.
This game demands that the player is attentive and observant. At first, it is difficult to get the hang of the gameplay, but once you do, it feels really clever and addictive.
9/10
Presentation:
Aquia has a good presentation. While the graphics are nothing special, the atmosphere of the game is really good. The game gives a relaxing feeling thanks to the underwater setting.
The music is nothing special either, but it fits well. The same can be said about the sound effects.
The fish in the aquarium look good and they are relaxing to watch.
Overall, the presentation is solid. The developers were able to make the underwater setting stand out which is good.
8/10
Replay Value:
Due to high scores and being a puzzle game, this game does contain a decent amount of replay value. Unfortunately though, there's no extra incentive to keep you playing for long after beating the game, and beating it takes you roughly ten hours. Some extra unlockables would have been nice.
6/10
Fun:
At first, the game is difficult to understand, and the learning curve is a little steep. Still, after I got the hang out of the game, it became a very fun, addictive, and relaxing experience.
While some levels are difficult, none of them were frustrating. This is a great experience for any fan of puzzles.
8/10
Overall:
With this game being cheap and entertaining, there's no reason not to pick it up unless you don't like puzzle games.
8.1/10