Help a cute red-headed female scientist maneuver a tiny robot through mazes in this downloadable puzzler for Wii U. Guide the little Psychobot by tapping on the Wii U gamepad to move him around the maze-like levels (you can also use the Wii U Pro Controller or Wii remote).  Psychobot can suck up a limited supply of blocks by tapping on them, and carry them around to use later to solve puzzles and bypass obstacles.

The object of the game is to make it to the teleporter at the end of the level. To do so, you will have to suck in all sorts of blocks and other items to use later.  On the bottom of the screen you can see what blocks you have in your inventory, and you can drag them out to have the robot ‘spit’ them out to trigger switches, block lasers, and other uses.  There are many different kinds of blocks.  Blocks of the same kind will stick together, and each kind of block has different properties.  Wood blocks will burn if ignited; sand blocks will turn to glass if heated, etc.  You can also pick up and drop other items, like pipes.  Hidden in each level are three golden blocks.  You’ll want to find as many as you can, because that’s how you unlock new levels.  Blocks also react to their surroundings, like sticking to jelly-like surfaces, for instance.  You’ll always be kept on your toes as there’s something new to discover in each stage.  Even bosses!

Aside from playing levels, you can also unlock achievements, little ‘FaceBlock’ posts that give you hints on what different blocks do, and photos that tell some kind of story that doesn’t seem too important to the gameplay. The game has a few problems, though.  There aren’t any in-game instructions, so it can be a little confusing how to control your robot at first.  Just make sure to read the in-game manual.  Also, sometimes when you tap on the screen, your bot may not go the way you want it to, and might accidentally flip a switch or crawl into a cannon or pipe that you didn’t want it to go in.  Plus a hint feature would’ve been nice, as the puzzles in the game get very challenging, very quickly.  But if you enjoy tough, brain-bending puzzle games, you may want to try this one.

Kid Factor:

Tetrobot & Co. is rated E for Everyone with an ESRB descriptor of Mild Fantasy Violence. If your robot hits a laser or electric field, it just shakes a bit and backs up. You really can’t die in this game, but if you do get stuck, you can tap on an icon to go back one move.  Reading skill is helpful for the text, and the puzzles get pretty tough so younger gamers may need help.  The game could be considered educational, though, as it does teach logic and thinking skills.

Tags: Game Reviews