Atomania

Science to many of us is a pretty big puzzle so it seems logical in some sick way that some crafty so-and-so’s have turned chemistry into a puzzle game.

I actually used to be pretty good at chemistry and could always quote the periodic table, so this game should be quite a doddle… alas that’s far from the truth here! The aim of the game is to match up the elements in the right way by sliding the symbol spheres around the maze-like levels in order to get them in sequence and position. As with many puzzle games there’s a bit more of a challenge than initially meets the eye. This is achieved by the sliding motion of the spheres and blocks around the level. Unlike many games you have to figure out the order of moves as the objects move freely from wall to wall rather than from square to square! Not only do you have to move things around, but you have to do it quickly as you’re up against the clock the entire time. Ultimately you’re scored not just on the time remaining but also the total number of moves taken to complete the level.

To be honest, the clock’s not too important as for my attempts I played out the level and figured out the sequence and then replayed the level as fast as I could once I’d got that part worked out. Again, this game oozes science from every pore – as even the game’s methodical in its approach.

So is this game purely for the scientific boffins only? No, not exactly! Yes of course they’ll find this game gives them nearly as much amazement as when Einstein worked out relativity, but anyone who enjoys challenging puzzle solving games you’ll be highly addicted and challenged by this title.

I found the controls a little awkward to use on my phone, particularly when using the d-pad. Firstly moving the cursor around was a little erratic at times and secondly when I selected and de-selected the object I also managed to inadvertently slide the object along. This process cost me valuable time (and points) but more importantly made me lose track of the sequence at times – causing me to have to replay the level.

This game is pretty fun in a slightly nerdy way and actually was educational too. Not exactly high on game player’s lists, but learning something – whether it’s a skill or a chemical compounds composition, can only be a good thing and there’s a part of me which is pleased to see some attention being given to authenticity of the game.

Sadly there’s only one difficulty setting to this game but you do have the opportunity of setting three profiles up, so you can play and compete with your friends and family. Having said that, there’s more than enough levels to this game to keep your thumbs and brain busy for several hours (there’s 30 levels in total).

In the end then, this game won’t only teach you a thing or two about science but also your logical puzzle solving skills too.

Rating 74%

Positives

Varying difficulty of puzzles which will keep you busy for hours

Science is finally made fun for everyone

Mildly addictive

Negatives

Graphics are a little plain

Sound effects are non-existent

You can only try your luck at the later levels once you’ve completed the earlier ones