'Unify' – A Unique Multi-Touch Puzzler
posted by arn on September 18th, 2009 3:58 PM EDT in $0.99, 3.5 stars, Puzzle, Reviews, iPhone games, iPod touch games
Indie developer Zach Gage has really gotten our attention. Gage's first iPhone application SynthPond [$1.99 / Lite] was a creative music application that can generate some very interesting results (video). His second iPhone application is a game that is a true multi-touch puzzle game that requires quick thinking and multitasking in order to succeed.
Unify is structured as a cross between Tetris and color matching games but with a multi-touch twist. Differently colored blocks "descend" towards the center of the screen from both sides. Simple touch controls allow you to move the pieces up, down or towards the center while tapping rotates them.
The combination of moves is pretty natural in practice but effectively lining up combos requires a bit more planning. The developer's gameplay video shows the game in action:
The game comes with a "normal" mode which is 40 evolving levels with added colors and progressive music. Also included are 3 endless modes (easy, medium, and hard). Unify also supports OpenFeint to provide global high scores.
Our primary criticism of the game might be that some of the background colors in the center bar can make it hard to distinguish blocks from empty spaces. There have also been some early crash reports, though we haven't experienced these ourselves, but the developer is active in the discussion forum and is working to address the issues.
Those looking for a different kind of iPhone puzzler, should definitely give Unify a try.
App Store Link: Unify, $0.99
TouchArcade Rating:
looks like a really wild day of golf.
it's a bit like "dual sided lumines"… interesting
It's frickin' amazing, and addicting! Highly recommend it!
doesnt work on 3GS, cant get past OpenFeint splash screen
I'm about to update the summary. there is a small bug in the beginning where you must hold your phone vertical and click ok if its your first time running openFeint on the device. It only happens once. I'm sorry! about to submit a patch
My wife is going to eat this up.
this was an impulse buy for me based on the graphics and the sound. It also happens to be an extremely addictive puzzle game that – for me personally – is way more satifying to play than tetris on the iphone. The controls work great, the difficulty curve is excellent and it gets really challenging. My only gripe is that you cant swicth the sound / music off independently.. other than that awesome game.. get it!!!!!
This game crashes randomly with the updated firmware of ipod touch 3.1
Can you update it? It really needs to be done!
he game randomly crashes when the music and sound feature is on.
I'm working on fixing the crashes in the next update
Been following this game since I heard about it a few weeks ago. Glad it's finally here! Made it to level 37 so far, working to get that magic 4-0. Fantastic job, Zach!
Now this is one of the most fantastic iPhone games i've played so far.
Great art design, i really love the clean and colourful graphics and the music which becomes more dynamic the further you progress. Gameplay is rock solid and evolves the tetris formula to a whole new level. It's also way more forgiving than Tetris and hooks you from the very first second. Learning curve is excellent, the game gets harder gradually and is very rewarding and satisfying.
So if you're looking for an innovative and graphically awesome puzzle game be sure to pick that one up, even tough i'm not sure how much replay value it will have. But there is much motivation in reaching the final levels (30+ is freaking hard) and scoring into the top 10 high score.
thanks everyone for all of the comments!
I just wanted to note that I've submitted an update that addresses these issues:
- no more crashing
- initial open feint screen less of a problem
- high-scores you get when you're offline submit when you get back online
- latest version of openFeint
- preferences to force music or sounds on and off separately
- clearer distinction between pieces in the middle row and the background
This is a very good game, the clean design, great controls and sound design all come together very well.
Above all though there's a certain feel to this game that makes matching the colours feel very rewarding… I think a lot of effort has gone into making it feel this way.
An essential app for anyone with an iPhone/touch.
This game is s blast.
Explored it way too late!
Unify is pure art! Sound and graphics are perfect!
Gameplay is amazingly simple and challenging.
Better than Tetris!
Best puzzle ride on the idevices!
I'm totally stunned!
I agree. Underrated at 3.5 stars. Great game.