Triazzle [App Store] is a triangular jigsaw-like puzzle game where you must assemble the puzzle based on the patterns printed on each piece instead of the shape of the piece itself.
The concept for Triazzle started in the early 80’s when Dan Gilbert and his wife created a product to commemorate the opening of the new poison arrow frog exhibit at The National Aquarium in Baltimore. Originally called Froggle, the theme used for this gift shop prototype eventually evolved into the now iconic theme of the game.
The museum didn’t order enough copies of the puzzle to make further development worthwhile, so the project was abandoned until the age of the Macintosh when Apple and Adobe started revolutionizing graphic design which greatly simplified the process of making these games. Froggle was renamed to Triazzle and since then, over 100 different variations have been created that had sold over 5 million units.
The iPhone version of Triazzle is extremely reminiscent of the original computer game, except this time around the game has much better graphics, animations, and sound. Included are four levels of difficulty, and both 9 and 16 piece formats. Each game is randomized, so you will never play the same Triazzle puzzle twice.
I could continue explaining the game, but instead, you’d be much better off just watching this five minute extremely detailed walk through by the creator of Triazzle:
Since you would be spending in the neighborhood of $20 if you went out and bought a physical copy of a Triazzle puzzle, the iPhone game provides a significant value at $2.99.
While there is something about playing with physical puzzle pieces that is just impossible to capture in a video game, you’d never be able to stuff a copy of Triazzle in your pocket any other way. The iPhone version also adds a number of elements that you won’t get from the physical version, including animated cues, hints and even full solutions if you completely get stuck. Overall, a beautifully designed game that should be appealing to puzzle gamers.
App Store Link: Triazzle, $2.99
