Do you like puzzle games? Do you like the way your avatar looks? Do you enjoy Nordic themes? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you might want to look at Runic 3D. This is the most recent title from our friends over at Executive Iguana Studios. This puzzle style game follows some of the same formulas in some of the existing puzzle genre games, but is it still unique enough to stand out?
Runic 3D takes place on a 12×12 board with players able to rotate 90 degrees to get to the desired side. To complete a level all the spinning pieces must be removed from the board. This is accomplished by matching 3 like symbols next to one of these pieces, causing all the pieces to disappear from play. Luckily, the pieces don’t have to be in a row, which makes matching much easier. Later on though, the challenge in the game comes from having to reach the spinning pieces around obstacles or buried under other symbols.
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Offered up are 2 single player game modes entitled Quest Mode and Timed Mode. Quest Mode is the main style of play that most would enjoy. Players are presented with 4 initial choices of levels, represented by the names of Norse Gods and Goddesses. After completing these 4 Quest levels, each comprised of 10 puzzle levels with time limits, the ultimate reward, Valhalla, is unlocked for more puzzle action.
Timed Mode is exactly that. Pieces are randomly scattered on the board and players must try to clear out as many pieces as possible before time runs out. Also available is a local multiplayer so that you and a friend can take on each puzzle together co-op style.
In regards to the actual gameplay, Runic 3D is not a bad game. However, there are a couple aspects that I didn’t like about it. One of my chief complaints is that the timer never seems to give enough time. Unless you happen to luck into the sequence of symbols needed to clear out the board, then you may play the same level over and over again. My other complaint is that the actual theme of Norse Gods seems to only be present in the symbols for the game pieces and the quest levels. I was really hoping to see some sort of power up like Thor’s Hammer while playing.
The overall graphics of the game are nice but I was also a little disappointed with how much real estate was wasted by having my avatar right next to the game board. I wish that the avatar took up less space so I could see the game board better. In regards to the music, it was very soft and was more of a single string instrument being plucked occasionally with no real melody. I didn’t actually notice the music either while I was playing though.
Overall, Runic 3D is a decent puzzle game. Sure it has some flaws, but find me a game that doesn’t. It’s worth the 80 :MSPoints: but there are other games that would be more enjoyable to most. I would only recommend this to puzzle fans as most others would pass this up. However, if you would still like to check it out, you can always download the demo.
You can find more information on the Marketplace.
Code Giveaway
We have two codes to give away for a free copy of Runic 3D.
Code 1: (Code redeemed)
All you have to do is be the first to work out the two missing characters and redeem this code: RRHKM-BTKVM-3HPPR-G?C?F-C48TJ. Need a hint? The difference in the games name between the original and this sequel. Please reply in the comments below to say you have redeemed it.
Code 2:
This is a twitter based competition. Keep an eye on our Twitter account @Gamergeddon later today for more details.
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