Game Classification

Spirits of Metropolis is a puzzle game incorporating elements from the classic Match-3 concept, but with more advanced strategies. Games are played on boards with gems of different colours. At the bottom of the screen, new gems with a specific colour appear one by one. Players can click on the board to place a gem there (when none is present) or replace an existing gem. Players need to form matches of three or more gems, making sure at least three gems of one colour are connected (all variations vertically or horizontally, but not diagonally) to score a number of points.

The most important difference is that matches are not executed at once. Instead, players design patterns of gems and then press a button to execute them one after another. Even though the activation can be done at any time, it is better to save up as an increasing number of multipliers is added to the score. Without prolonged actions, completing levels usually is not possible. Patterns are formed starting around a white gem on the board. By forming a match, certain triggers appear that are needed to link the different matches together. That way, a long chain is formed with the triggers as connecting points. A highlighting path shows the progress at all times. Random matches, not connected by triggers, are not included in the chain and no points are provided for those.

Additional elements include gems of any colour and locked gems. When a chain of matches is executed, the board is filled again and the game continues until time is up. To advance, players usually need to collect a set amount of points.

The game's main game mode is called Journey. It consists of nine constellations, unlocked gradually, where players need to complete each of the stars (levels) that make up the constellation,. Another mode is Puzzle Challenges where pre-defined boards need to be solved with specific conditions. The game also includes an editor to create custom puzzles that can be shared with other users. Next to the main modes, there is also a set of tutorials, a Rank Mode to compete for highscores in several modes, and medals players can earn. [source:mobygames]

Distribution : Retail - Commercial
Platform(s) : PC (Windows)

Links

• http://www.mobygames.com/game/spirits-of-metropolis/