1 to 25, a challenging new puzzle game from Syndicated Puzzles, is available now in the app store. Utilizing elements of number chain puzzles without the need for math skills (other than counting), 1 to 25 makes its mark with unique and addictive gameplay.
The player is presented with a 5 x 5 grid surrounded by the numbers 2 through 25. Each number has an arrow pointing at the row, column, or diagonal into which it can be dragged. This effectively limits the possible placement locations of each number to no more than 5 spots. The number 1 is already filled in on the grid. The goal is to create an unbroken chain linking 1 to 25 using only the information provided by the numbers and arrows. As you create the chain, a green “snake” will trace a path from 1 through all adjacent numbers. There is only one possible solution per puzzle. You receive 1 point for each properly placed number. You can overwrite any number by dragging a different number onto it, though this will add another point to your score. There is a Purge button that will highlight any incorrect number placements, automatically removing them and adding a point for each removed number. If there are no incorrect placements, the board will simply flash and you will be able to continue confident that you have not erred to that point. Clicking the “light” button will all of the possible placement locations of the selected number. As you can imagine, the best possible score is 24, representing correct initial placement of each available number.
Graphics are clean and the grid is of a good size. It should be adequate for most finger sizes. The only sounds in the game are some minor effects that are triggered when you place a number in the grid. Controls are touch-based. Touch-drag any number square to move it and tap any buttons to select various options. The game offers a good challenge, but is not overly difficult. We spent some time with the Purge button on the first few playthroughs, but needed it less often once we got used to the game. Planning is crucial, especially since the chain can follow diagonals. You’ll need to be sure to leave return paths when taking the chain into a crowded corner, for instance.
As there are 500 available puzzles (each unlockable by solving the previous one), there is a ton of replayability. While there are games similar in style available in the app store (Numbrix, Hidato), none uses the same information mechanism of 1 to 25, which really sets it apart. At a price of $0.99, we feel this is a great deal and should be snapped up by puzzle fans of all ages. 1 to 25 receives our 4-Dimple approval.
1 to 25 gets our AppSmile 4-Dimple rating:
