Lights On!

.: By: Jason Surguine :: Device used: E-125 :: April 3, 2001 :.

This is a simple puzzle game that, as far as I know, seems pretty original. I’m sure other games have been released that are similar, but this one stands out to me for some reason.

The object of the game is to turn all the “lights” on. There is a 5x5 square of lights, some which are colored (“On”), and some of which are black, these are the “Off” lights. You try to turn the off lights on by tapping them in a certain pattern with the least amount of moves. This isn’t accomplished easily, and that’s why I like it.

What’s really cool is that there is a Par for every level (like in Golf), in which should be the least amount of moves/taps it takes to turn on all the lights. I don’t understand why this is such a novel concept to me in a puzzle game like this; it just seems new.

You can cheat in this game and make par every time (because there is a very nice hint option that can get you out of ANY frustrating fix) but why would you want to? The whole idea in a puzzle game is to be puzzled, and then solve the puzzle, not have the puzzle solved for you. I’ve personally never been able to beat one of the levels under Par, but presumably it can be done!

Of course, the game isn’t spectacular graphically. The game includes about five colors on a white background. There are no real graphical glitches, so that’s nice. Still, this is pretty standard fare for most puzzlers these days <sigh>. You know it’s possible to have some neat pictures or even a 3-d engine scrolling in the background (does anyone remember Q-bert for the SNES?… Yes, I know that Q-bert used to be bland… on the Commodore 64, but the Pocket PC is not the C64, it’s capable of much more) while you play. Well, I guess I can’t complain too much, seeing as it is freeware.

There is no sound in the game. Unless you count the default windows sound effect whenever you complete a level. That’s too bad.

Overall, this is a fun little puzzle game for the Pocket PC with no real glitches, and no real flair. But it’s still very enjoyable if you have a couple minutes/hours to waste.

The highlights:

• Simple to play

• Hard to master

• Innovative

• Free

The blackouts:

• Simple layout

• Simple graphics

• No sound

• Bland

.: Game category: Puzzle Games :: Reviews Index :.