Review: Magic Cube
Score:
72%
Version Reviewed: 2.0.0.1
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Little known fact, but I can actually solve a Rubik’s Cube. It takes about five minutes (none of this freak-boy 20 seconds of speed), so when Steve pointed out Magic Cube – a Java based version of the cube for smartphones – and suggested I take a look at it. I approached it rather gingerly, mainly because of my familiarity with the physical cube, but partly because whenever I’ve tried an electronic version of the cube, the game just came up short.
And being honest, Magic Cube (I’m assuming renamed to avoid any legal troubles) does not measure up to the real thing – but if I’m also being honest then what we have here is a nice little graphical puzzle game that makes use of the numerical keypad in a really good way.
The moment of “A-ha” was when I saw how the turning of a section of the cube was performed. There are 3 slices in each plane of the cube, and that makes 9 in total. So the number keys 1-9 each refer to a layer of the cube – one press and round it rotates towards the number. Hit zero and the ‘direction’ switches to twist the other way. It’s insanely simple, and I was pleasantly surprised at the ease of use.
What does take bit of getting used to is the view of the ‘hidden’ sides of the cube. You get your typical isometric view of the cube, showing three sides, but the hidden sides are also on display, as if projected. This takes a bit of getting used to, and if you’re someone who struggles with spatial stuff, then you’re going to have a nightmare here (mind you, if that’s the case then why are you even looking at this title?)
The other nice touch is the three skill levels available to mix up the code. The 'easy' level generally is only 3 or 4 spins away from a solution, while 'normal' and 'difficult' are a bit further away respectively. This is well pitched, and allows you to get to grips with the controls and spatial colours with just enough of a challenge. After a while, it’s a simple matter to step up to 'normal' and start really thinking about what to do.
Magic Cube, for all my trepidation, is a good piece of mobile software – quick to load, easy on the eye, and providing just the right amount of challenge. I think most people would be pleasantly surprised if they picked up this little diversion.
Ewan Spence, Sept 2007
Reviewed by Ewan Spence at