Gamer reviews for Tile Tales
Tales as Old as Tiles
Being sleek and minimal is all that rage. Monument Valley climbed the top of the AppStore not because of its photorealistic graphics or chaotic gameplay. It dominated the charts because of its stunning art direction and soul-soothing mood.
Tile Tales emits the same aura. It is a simple puzzler with an Art direction that is worthy of the capital "A". The flat, highly stylized graphics will definitely get your attention even if it is priced at $2.99. Yes, the price seems like too high for most people, but I tell you, you will not regret the purchase.
Gameplay is a number-based puzzle game. You probably played numerous games like this when you are an avid Flash-based browser game player. Basically, you chain numbers from a pre-determined tileset and reach a minimum numerical value. These numbers have an assigned modifier like addition and subtraction, and as you progress, multiplication and others. There will also be tiles without numerical value but will reverse the entire tileset's operation. There is only one path to get the 3-star rating, however, you can still complete the tilesets with one or two-star ratings. A minimum of one-star rating is needed in order to progress to the next level.
Tile Tales starts very easy and it will get complicated as you unlock more levels. Do not worry, this is not a difficult game at all, it is possible to finish the game in one sitting. The challenge is always hinged on nabbing the 3-star rating. There are 50 levels and this may sound plenty, but the truth is, you will crave for more levels since the game is one of the easier puzzle games out there. You will blaze through this game quickly.
The graphics, as already mentioned earlier in the review, is a highly stylized flat which is pretty similar to the medieval pictorial art form of stained glass, only in papercraft form. Though not as colorful as the medieval style, Tile Tales’ art direction is just as mesmerizing. For every level that you complete, you will also unlock an papercraft animal. You can visit the gallery to view these animals.
I always mention in my reviews that I mute everything everytime I play a game. I only listen to the games' soundtrack for review purposes, only to find out what I expect: repetitive, disappointing, and weak musical compositions. Tile Tales is one of the few games that I do not mute because of its music is damn hot. There may be a few tracks, probably around five, but I can listen to them for long periods of time. While I was writing this review, Tile Tales is turned on my iPhone playing the sweet, sweet music.
Tile Tales will not twist your brain, or provide ample challenge for those people who love puzzle games. The game is a little bit short for the price, but this is heavily mitigated by its incredible atmosphere and music. If you want a no-frills puzzle game that is incredibly polished, Tile Tales is a must-buy. There may be an update for this game like adding more levels in the future, or maybe not. As it stands, the current state of Tile Tales is a perfect choice for those looking for some clean wholesome puzzler fun.
