Conundrum Review

Producer: Zortik

Platform: RPG Maker VX

Playtime: 20 – 30 minutes

Download Link: RPG Revolution

Author: James Loker

Concept:

The basic plot of the game is very simple. Your character, who has no name and is simply considered to be a manifestation of yourself is trapped inside a game. He is given a set amount of time, roughly 4 minutes to complete the puzzles ahead of to avoid deletion. There is very little else in the form of plot, although I don’t see that as a problem here because the game’s strengths do not revolve around great storytelling as you’ll soon see.

This game is based on an extremely simple idea. Take the basic functionality of RPG Maker VX and combine it with a little brainpower to produce some challenging but fun puzzles. I like to think of conundrum as a series of mini games as opposed to wider title because, when you finally feel like you’ve accomplished something by finishing a puzzle the game throws you into a completely new world with new objectives and methods. Everything you’ve learnt about the game in previous puzzles is pretty much thrown out the window as you attempt a new puzzle. You’d think something like that would be frustrating, but it actually adds to the fun of the game. For every puzzle I completed, I felt proud of myself for overcoming the challenge instead of the game getting progressively easier as I started to learn the logic of the creator.

Gameplay:

Controls:

Zortik hasn’t tried to change the world with gameplay and, to be honest that’s a good thing here. Puzzle games have to utilise a strong movement system otherwise they become unplayable and the decision to opt for the simple direction arrow system with the ability to dash really helps out here. There are times when you may find yourself having to cross larger distances than previously thought (a clever ruse to make you think you’ve got more time to complete a puzzle than is actually the case) but the ability to double your move speed by holding down the [Shift] key takes the pressure off a little. Sometimes the simple directional system can seem cumbersome in RPG Maker VX titles, but here we see the same thinking that appeared in Pac Man. There are times when being able to move diagonally would make the game easier but a strict Up, Down, Left and Right system demands skill from the player. This is especially true of the second world, where even the slightest tap on the wrong key can send you over a set of raised spikes in the ground killing you instantly.

One issue I did come across while playing the game was the fact that there is little to no replay value in the game. Once you’ve figured out how to solve a puzzle that’s it, there’s no reason to go back to it at a later stage. Great puzzle games either offer hidden prizes for solving further puzzles within the level of provide such a large mass of puzzles (like Portal 2 for example) that once you’ve completed the single and multiplayer, you’ve completely forgotten how to accomplish the early puzzles.

Features:

If you’re like me and not very careful,  you’ll most likely find yourself dying a lot. This is something that has clearly been considered by the game’s creator as the game allows you to choose certain settings at the beginning of the game including ‘Infinite Retry’s.’ A nifty little feature that bypasses the game over screen and puts you back at the beginning of the puzzle allowing you to try again...and again...and again. It makes the game much more enjoyable because it removes the potential monotony of sitting through the game over and title screen and playing through the whole game again. That’s right, I said whole game again as there is no continue on this game and no save files. This is either due to the shortness and demo nature of the game or to a sick fantasy on the part of the creator to produce a game as potentially frustrating as Ninja Gaiden or Demon Souls. We’re hoping it’s the former here at RMG.

Audio:

Audio is one of those things that is often overlooked and I can thankfully say, is very well done in this game. It’s not on the epic scale the some RPG’s achieve but again, I don’t think the creator had that in mind while he was developing this piece. The music specifically in this game is well done, it is pleasant enough to frame the rest of the game and does not try to take centre stage but it varies enough to separate out the different puzzles. I especially liked the inclusion of Benny Hill to give the game that comic edge, it’s nice to see a game that’s well crafted but doesn’t take itself too seriously. For me, the music reminded me of RPG’s that appeared years ago on hand held devices like Golden Sun. Pleasant and atmospheric enough but at the time, limited by the capacity of the console. I experienced a little nostalgia when playing this game and reminders of why simple games can sometimes be so much more enjoyable. I could not fault the sound effects either, they aren’t mind blowing but are well suited to the game.

Presentation:

The colourful style of RPG Maker VX has been well used by the creator in Conundrum. There is great variety in the maps, not only in the tilesets used but their colour and the general mood of the level which, as I have mentioned is mirrored and framed nicely by the accompanying music. The game is relatively barebones in some senses, showing off how the default resources provided by Enterbrain can be used to produce something that is both attractive and very much playable. The finish of the game is somewhat to be desired, I’m guessing that’s due to the fact that in its demo state this game is not yet in need of any polish.

Summary:

Strengths:

• Plenty of effort in making the maps and puzzles enjoyable
• Generally well produced, very attractive and without glitches.
• Awesome nostalgic soundtrack.

Weaknesses:

• A little rough around the edges at times. Could use some polish when complete.
• No save system
• No replayability

Overall:

I really enjoyed playing this game for its light heartedness, it’s strong presentation and its soundtrack but sadly, it’s a game I would only ever play once. I have no reason to go back to it now other than to take screenshots but I would love an excuse to try it again sometime. A little replay value would go a long way in this game.

Official RMG Rating:

7/10