The Final Word game review

Mario's Picross -- Nintendo

Race against time and yourself as you attempt to reveal the hidden pictures in Mario's Picross. Use mathematical clues and a little bit of guesswork to solve the picture in 30 minutes or less; make a mistake and lose time off the clock. Over 100 pictures will keep players busy in this puzzle game for the Nintendo GameBoy.

Ferrari Man
In case you are getting lost in the maze of GameBoy puzzle games, here's another one. A fairly simple theme sticks you against the clock, and your brain. Based on simple mathematical relations you figure out the picture that is supposed to be formed, and chisel it out. With lots of levels, this one would be a good game for a long trip. After the first time through this one, it may tire very easily.

E.Phoenix
Hmmmmm... odd, to say the least. In a world of Tetris clones, Mario's Picross is a fresh puzzler. When I first picked it up, it didn't strike me as that great of a game; but the more I played, the more I liked it. MP is a puzzler in which the screen is divided into a grid. The object of the game is to follow the number parameters (given at the edge of each row and each column) and create a picture from filling in the appropriate squares. Each square that is filled inappropriately costs you a certain number of minutes, as you start with a set time limit to completing the picture. Graphics and soundwise, MP is not that impressive, but it does not detract from the game as the puzzle is the main attraction. I would love to have this game bolted into my GB on the next long roadtrip I take.

R.I.P.
It took me a little bit to get the hang of this title, but once I got going, it was a snap. I would recommend this game for someone going on a long trip who will have lots of time on their hands. The only down side of this game is the finite number of pictures to solve.

Salamander
This intriguing title reminded me in many ways of those logical puzzles everyone seems to do in school at one point or another. You know the type. "Mr. Jones wears a red hat on Tuesdays. Suzie always wears blue. If Jim hates bananas, then who is Cindy's cousin?" The logic is very similar, but it's with numbers instead of word-hints. Mario's Picross should provide at least several hours of amusement, however, I believe this title could become worn-out quickly once all the pictures have been solved.

>>>>> 69.5/100 <<<<<		Ferrari Man	E.Phoenix	R.I.P.	Salamander
Graphics		3.0	3.5	3.0	3.0
Sound		3.0	3.5	3.0	3.0
Gameplay/Control		3.5	4.5	5.0	4.0
Longevity/Playability		2.5	4.5	4.0	2.0
Overall		3.5	4.5	3.5	3.0
Total		15.5	20.5	18.5	15.0

(04/95)