The App Store is chock full of puzzle games, many of which are free. So, beyond its ridiculously long moniker, what makes PAN Vision‘s Pirates vs. Ninjas vs. Zombies vs. Pandas: Puzzle Wars stand out from the crowd?
While the game appears to be based on the basic concept of matching similar objects in order to remove them from the game board, PvNvZvP Puzzle Wars includes a remarkable amount of levels, modes, and methods of play. What the game lacks in outright originality, it certainly makes up for in variety. As a result, Pirates vs. Ninjas vs. Zombies vs. Pandas: Puzzle Wars is more than worth the investment.
At first, PvNvZvP Puzzle Wars is seems fairly complicated. After all, the screen is littered with Pirates, Ninjas, Zombies, and Pandas, along with barrels, blocks, and other objects. This makes the play field seem cluttered and difficult to navigate. However, by opening up the Pause Menu, you’re able to view a quick tutorial explaining the ins and outs of the game. In each mode, the object is similar: destroy colored blocks by matching up characters of a corresponding color adjacent to that block. For example, to destroy a white block, simply line up the white pandas next to the block, and BOOM!
There are a number of different modes in the game. Many of the modes are controlled by tilting the iPhone and letting gravity take over. You’ll also use your finger to swap game pieces in order to make your match. In all, there are nearly fifty different modes, making the game a heck of a value.
As noted earlier, Puzzle Wars comes off as being a bit obtuse at first. Much of your success can be determined by luck, as simply randomly tilting the iPhone can earn you matches and sometimes even win a round. But once get into the game, and are able to more easily distinguish the characters on the screen, you’ll be able to beat the timer more efficiently than shaking the phone and hoping for the best.
Bottom Line: Pirates vs. Ninjas vs. Zombies vs Pandas: Puzzle Wars is loaded with features and unique game modes, making it a heck of a bargain at one dollar.
Pirates vs. Ninjas vs. Zombies vs. Pandas: Puzzle Wars is compatible with iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad. Requires iOS 3.0 or later.