Zuma Review

One of PopCap’s masterpieces is the fast-paced puzzle game, Zuma. This game has been cloned time and again, a compliment to it’s enduring appeal. But it’s hard to beat the real thing, and so the original continues to increase in popularity. It’s available on several platforms, including cell phone and iPod. There’s no question though – playing with a mouse on a nice monitor is by far the best.


This is one of those games that is easy to learn, but hard to master. That’s part of what makes it so fun! A line of coloured balls rolls along a curled track, and you must eliminate them before they are swallowed up by the Skull at the end of the path. You use your mouse to rotate a stone frog containing a choice of two balls, then click to shoot one into the chain. Whenever you get three or more balls of the same colour, they explode. Playing well involves creating chains, taking advantage of power-ups, scoring through gaps, and collecting coins. As the game progresses, extra ball colours are added, and the speed and complexity of each course increases.

Two modes of play are available. Adventure Mode takes you through a series of levels, or Aztec temples, each consisting of a number of stages. You can save at any stage, but if you use up all your lives and die, you must restart at the beginning of the temple. The Gauntlet Mode allows you to replay levels you have beaten in Adventure Mode – only this time, the stream of balls is “endless”, gradually increasing in speed and number of colours. It’s a great way to hone your skills.


PopCap’s demo is the complete game, and although it is time-limited, it actually does let you continue playing an ad-supported version. Considering the addictiveness of this game, you’re going to want it all – and maybe on your cell phone too.

Go for Grubby Games

Brain games seems to be popping up everywhere these days. Unfortunately, many of these “games” feel more like tests and eventually become wearisome. Some of the better games have been poorly cloned so many times that all hope for originality has been deleted. That leaves us with a big question: where can you find a novel game that activates your brain and your funny bone at the same time?

If you find yourself asking that question, then Grubby Games may have just what you are looking for. Since their debut in 2004, this small company has published four games which should appeal to everyone, from child to child-like. All feature the personality of Professor Fizzwizzle, yet are unique in puzzle type and gameplay. Their website gives a good description of each game, and supplies easily downloadable demos.

While only the newest game, “The Amazing Brain Train”, makes claims to train the brain, all would qualify as mentally stimulating, at least on some level. Some include settings for children or, conversely, for more advanced players. The inclusion of optional quests, trophies and competitive internet score tracking give added incentive.

In a world where the same few people and corporations have been the perpetual source of entertainment – and are wrung dry of creativity – Grubby Games stands out as fresh and invigorating. What have you got to lose by trying a free demo? Chances are, you’ll have so much fun that you’ll want the whole game!

10 Best Puzzle Games for Nintendo DS

We’ve ranked these DS puzzle games with one factor in mind: FUN. Remember, these are just our opinions. Let us know what you think!


1. Picross DS

This series of challenging puzzles will keep you busy for hours. Use step-by-step logic to fill spaces in a grid and unveil a picture. Relaxing and rewarding. Check out our review.







2. Planet Puzzle League

This game’s slow start is your chance to practice creating combos and chains – skills you’ll need as things speed up. Play against your records, or compete wirelessly with local friends and online challengers. The many modes will keep you satisfied.





3. Professor Layton and the Curious Village

You will enjoy exploring this mysterious village, solving a glorious variety of brainteasers as you go. It’s an adventure game, studded with unique puzzles and intriguing dilemmas. Please see our review for more detail.








4. Meteos

Drag blocks vertically to line up three or more of like color and they launch off the top of the screen. The games are fast-paced and short, but the content is meaty and the space theme is interesting. The original version plays better than the Disney one.






5. Tetris DS

If you like Tetris, you’ll enjoy this well-made version. You’ll find the basic mode we all know and love plus many more exciting options, including online multiplayer.







6. Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlords

This is more than a clone of Bejeweled. Story and role-playing aspects, as well as complex and varied puzzle elements, make this a sure-fire thrill.








7. New York Times Crosswords

Crossword puzzle players will love this quality digital version of genuine New York Times puzzles. Losing the mess of paper is a plus, and the puzzles are just as challenging. Modes include wireless play with friends, either co-operatively or competitively.






8. Bust-a-Move DS

Shoot bubbles to join those at the top of the screen; connect three or more of the same color to make them fall away. It’s fast paced and addicting, a must-try for those who have never played before. This version is well done, adding optional touch screen controls.






9. Prism: Light the Way

Arrange mirrors and prisms in the playing field to direct light from Bulboids to the Glowbos. This gets harder as the puzzles progress; you will be very glad there’s no clock on the main mode. A multiplayer mode adds variety.







10. Polarium

Draw a line over a grid of dark and light tiles to flip them and form horizontal lines which disappear. Try to remove the whole array at once. You can make your own puzzles and share them with friends.






Click to buy these games