Review written by Eric Pankoke

Buy Queue from Clickgamer

I've mentioned it on more than one occasion, but puzzle games on the PPC are a dime a dozen. That being the case, each game needs to bring something new to the table to stand out from the pack. Queue does have some well conceived level design, but really brings nothing new to the puzzle genre. The aesthetic dullness of the game can also be overwhelming at times.

Graphics Description:

The visuals in Queue are very basic. The playing area is clean and functional, though the isometric perspective can make it difficult at times to judge what you're doing. The interface as a whole has an 80's DOS feel to it, which would be fine if the game came out in the 80's. While I'm not a believer that a puzzle game should have ultra-modern 3D images, a little more flash would have been nice.

Sound Description:

The sound effects are minimal and functional. Nothing spectacular, though nothing is really required for this type of game. The disappointment lies in the fact that there is no music, and a background track really could have improved the atmosphere of the game.

Gameplay Description:

A good puzzle game is deceptively simple, and such is the case with Queue. The basic premise behind Queue is that you have a square board with checkered tiles, each edge representing one of four shapes: square, circle, plus sign and rectangle. Each level provides you with a new set of tiles on the board, some of which have shapes that match one of the four sitting on the sides of the board. All you have to do is click on the appropriate shape, which will then slide onto the board. Keep clicking on the shapes until one has been pushed onto each tile with a corresponding shape. It's not the easiest thing to visualize through words, but it is rather intuitive to play.

It wouldn't be an entertaining puzzle game if there were no obstacles, though, would it? Queue has traps and barriers galore to keep you on your feet. The first thing you'll notice is that the shapes along the side of the board are spaced out at every other tile. If one of the tiles with a shape on it happens to not line up with a shape launcher along the side of the board, you'll have to figure out how to use other shapes to slide the required piece into place.

As you progress through the levels, Queue starts throwing things at you like missing tiles and single direction tiles. All standard fare for puzzle games, but items that when used in the right combination still provide a rush when you get them figured out.

Add to that the fact that every level is timed, and you will find yourself torn between thinking about the solution and just throwing pieces out and hoping you get the right combination. Of course the latter rarely ever works, but you'll find that out when you try it. The only control necessary is clicking the red buttons next to the appropriate shapes to launch them onto the board, so mastering the input for this game is a snap. It does seem that the buttons for the shapes in corners don't always respond accurately, but it is only a minor inconvenience.

The game keeps track of your progress, so you never have to replay any levels, but if you choose to quit the game or you lose all of your lives and then choose to start at the last level you solved, your score will be reset. If this is something you really care about you'll be forced to start from the beginning every time.

Pros:

• Challenging levels that aren’t overly difficult

Cons:

• Lackluster presentation

• Score resets when “continuing” a game

Conclusion:

A boost in visual and audio presentation could have helped this puzzle game rise above the pack. As it stands, Queue is a solid, well designed thinker trapped in a mediocre presentation. 

Overall Score: 5/10

Many thanks to Island Labs for providing us with our review copy.

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