The Bottom Line
Pros
- Simple gameplay gets gradually more complex.
- Features make it easy to play in short sessions.
- Builds on the strengths of the first game.
Cons
- Will probably make you feel stupid now and then.
Description
- ESRB rated E -- published by D3 Publisher -- game profile -- screenshots
- Graphics: Not very exciting, but the simple designs are appropriately non-distracting and almost elgegant.
- Sound: Except for the mostly unobtrusive sound effects, I didn't really notice the sound at all, which is probably good.
- Gameplay: Learning how to play is easy and intuitive; solving the puzzles can be fun or frustrating, depending.
- Multiplayer: There's no multiplayer, but you can compare your scores with everyone else's via Infrastructure.
- Replay value: You can replay for faster times or shorter puzzle solutions, plus you can make and share your own puzzles.
- Recommendation: Great as a budget title, or if you're a puzzle freak or IQ test addict.
Guide Review - PQ2 Practical Intelligence Quotient 2
The KISS Principle
No, not the rock band, but "Keep It Simple, Stupid." PQ2 is a good example of this principle--the game is simply a matter of getting your character from one point to another--and both points are easily visible. The trick is that you have to navigate a series of hazards that include blocks in your way, steps too high to get up or down, lasers, police, doors and more. It's a simple idea that results in some wicked hard puzzles.
The basic, understated visuals of PQ2 might be seen as a negative point, but I actually found the simplicity refreshing and almost elegant. There weren't any flashy distractions--just what you need to solve the puzzles. A similar approach was taken with the sound; there's nothing invasive or annoying. In a way, it's the opposite approach to that of the Lumines games, where funky music and flashy backgrounds get increasingly more distracting and therefore help add to the increasing difficulty of the puzzle. It worked in Lumines, but it would not have worked here, so I'm glad the designers of PQ2 kept things simple.
Building on Strengths
It's not necessary to have played PQ to play PQ2, but if you do play both, you'll notice that the second game takes a formula that worked in the first and adds a few new elements to make it even better.
Now, added to stackable blocks, doors, and other obstacles, are lasers, breakable glass blocks, and more.
Not as Smart as You Think You Are
Or I'm not, anyway. I always thought I was pretty good at puzzle games, but my PQ scores show I'm actually pretty much average. With PQ2, you can upload your scores to see how you compare to the world. Very cool, if humbling.
