Cogs, the awesome new steampunk-inspired puzzle game developed by Lazy 8 Studios and published by Chillingo, is finally available from the app store. With the release of a very stylish trailer video a few months ago, iDevice gamers have been clamoring to get ahold of Cogs on their own devices. Now that it’s here, it does not disappoint.
Cogs Pros:
- 50 levels of challenging fun
- Stunning graphics
- Subtle and relaxing soundtrack
- Crystal global leaderboards and achievement system
Cogs Cons:
- Additional levels based on additional purchase (although we understand why)
Cogs is based on a popular PC game where your objective is to reorganize machine parts in order to create a working model that satisfies the goal of the level. This is accomplished by moving parts around in slider puzzle fashion until each piece is in its proper position. Some machines are multi-sided, requiring each face of the machine to be solved before the machine works. Cogs contains 50 levels of challenging fun, as well as 3 different gameplay modes in which to play those levels. Inventor mode presents you with rather simple 2D puzzles to start, which progressively become more difficult as you move into the 3D multi-layered puzzle realm. Time Challenge requires that you solve partially-completed puzzles within a 30 second time limit, while Move Challenge tasks you with solving similar puzzles within 10 moves. Each offers a great twist that should keep the gameplay fresh and enjoyable.
Graphically, Cogs is stunning. From its 3D rendered contraptions and smooth animations to its use of steampunk designs and lighting effects, Cogs oozes the type of polish that can easily draw you in regardless of your affinity for puzzles or mobile games. The soundtrack is subtle and relaxing, never getting in the way of the game’s enjoyment. We hardly even noticed it was there. Controls are touch-based, using finger swipes to move the puzzle pieces around and two-finger swipes to rotate the puzzle for access to different sides of the machine.
Your success is measured by whether you solve the puzzles, how quickly you solve the puzzles, and in how few moves you used. You receive star ratings for these categories. Global leaderboards and an achievement system are tracked through Crystal, Chillingo’s answer to OpenFeint, Agon, and Plus+. Due to the implementation of this system, as well as the addictingly awesome gameplay, replay value is terrific. Cogs will set you back $0.99 for the first 10 levels (plus 10 levels in each challenge mode), with additional packs of 10 levels available as DLC for an additional $0.99 apiece. While we’re not huge fans of DLC, this may be a fair way to disseminate the game, as the difficulty really ramps up after those first 10 levels. Cogs is certainly worth the $4.95 that it would cost to purchase all available levels, though you can get, say, half of the game for half of that price. If you are able to complete all of those levels, it’s just a dollar more to continue. There are plenty of slider games in the app store, but nothing is satisfying as this one. Cogs is 5-Dimple puzzling nirvana.
