Puz: Puzzle Express [by HipSoft]

All aboard!  Perhaps it was because I enjoyed playing Train Tracking so much that wanted to try out Puzzle Express after looking at the photos.  Or maybe it was due to the fact that Hipsoft has consistently demonstrated itself as being one of the most professional indie companies out there.  Though I may not always get into the games, there is no doubt that Hipsoft games are consistently among the best produced of all indie titles with professional polish on the interface and selection screens and well-thought out game designs and graphics.

Puzzle Express is certainly no exception to that statement as it is a pleasant little puzzle game that embodies all that is good in casual gaming.  In this game you need to fill up the cars of the train that are mostly empty.  You do this by putting Tetris like pieces into the car one at a time without leaving any gaps.  Each of the pieces can of course be rotated to fit in as best as you can possible get them to fit.  Upon completing any vertical row in a train car, a row of a picture is displayed.  The pictures are quite varied and go along with the game's theme, which is really the best point of the game in my mind.  On the scenic tour you are able to travel to various locations throughout the US and each stop along the way has themed graphics for the area and the photographs that are revealed when you complete a car match the general feeling of the area.

The sound of Puzzle Express is also quite well done with some tracks that match the railroad feel of the game.  The only real disappointment that I saw in the game is that the overall concept seemed pretty limited.  The game itself plays much like the carpentry puzzles of Yohoho! Puzzle Pirates, and I suppose most of my disappointment comes from feeling that this game is similar enough to more than just remind me of that one, but not nearly as in-depth as that game is.  Still Puzzle Express is a little more seamless and polished than YPP, and for those looking to play a relaxing hour of train touring fun you'll find your time well-spent here.

Added: July 3rd 2004
Reviewer: Russell Carroll
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