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Staff review by Zigfried
December 13, 2009 This is an Xbox Live Indie Games release. When playing indie games, I'm not looking for the production and sheen of a commercial release (although more power to anyone who pulls that off). I'm looking for ingenuity and talent. A game that showcases one, the other, or both is likely to receive a recommendation.
Snowcap Games' 15 Puzzle is exactly what it claims to be: an electronic version of the classic sliding tiles game. Even if you didn't know what it was called, you probably know the one: it's a flat four-by-four grid, containing fifteen tiles and one empty slot. The goal is to slide tiles around until they're in the correct order. Perhaps the tiles form a picture when properly assembled; perhaps they simply display a sequence from 1 to 15. 15 Puzzle competently translates this game to the HDTV screen with some pretty tropical pictures and different difficulty levels. But, competent as it is, this isn't why you bought your Xbox 360.Nonetheless, some of you will be tempted to purchase 15 Puzzle anyway. After all, it's a casual puzzle game with scenic photographs. Your girlfriend is sure to love it.
You'll forgive the sexist remark because you know it's true. This game is meant to be purchased by insecure guys to appeal to girls who don't play games. In our warped minds, 15 Puzzle would appear to be the key to our fantasies. After a romantic night of Xbox 360, basking in the warm glow of the 40-inch Sony Bravia, the smitten girl would declare, "The Xbox 360 has truly brought us closer together. I'm sorry about mocking your all-night Halo sessions." The gamer-guy, his insecurities washed away like tears in rain, would then turn to his lady and say: "Let's make sweet love."
Of course, that's not how events would actually go down. At best, the aspiring stud would end up sitting on the couch -- bored -- while his girlfriend hogs the Xbox to slide tiles around for an hour or two. And if the bored lad dares attempt conversation, she'll get pissed. Regardless of how often guys are distracted during a Modern Warfare deathmatch, it's unforgivable to interrupt a girl's gaming session. That's why, if you're considering such a devious plan of attack, you should instead download one of the free Windows versions of 15 Puzzle. Some of those even let players create their own puzzles, based around photographs stored on the hard drive! There are a couple nice things about that approach:
ONE: If the girl enjoys the game, you can still play Gears of War or Trigger Heart Exelica while she's busy being boring.
TWO: You can earn bonus points by complimenting your girlfriend's ingenuity after she creates a puzzle based on her new puppy's photo. For even more points, suggest that she make a puzzle based around a photo of the two of you together. Then play Ikaruga while she's busy.
Of course, an insightful and considerate man won't try to "convert" his girlfriend in the first place. He would instead appreciate the diverse perspectives that she introduces to his life. If the relationship is meant to last, she'll support his hobbies in her own way soon enough.
//Zig
This game cost 80 points at the time of review.
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