GameSpot | GameFAQs | SportsGamer | Metacritic | MP3.com | TV.com
 |
|
||||
|
 |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
How Metascores Are Calculated
xx
1 vs. 100
Stars indicate the most critically-acclaimed games. |
(Also known as "Actionloop" and "Puzzleloop") Marbles are exclusively controlled by the stylus in this title that satisfies even the strongest puzzle addiction. Marbles are rolling relentlessly down a twisted track toward you. Stop them by launching launch new marbles with your stylus. When three or more like-colored marbles match up, they vanish. Tons of power-ups, multiple tracks and a great multiplayer mode make Magnetica a must for puzzle/action fans. Innovative use of stylus to flick marbles.Ultrarealistic magnetic physics: Launched marbles will curve toward like-colored balls. Three single-player modes: Challenge, Quest and Puzzle. Multiple paths and scads of power-ups and hazards will keep you on your toes. Consult the all-in-one dashboard on your top screen. Show off your Magnetica personalty by battling a friend head-to-head. Single-player items boost your score, slow down or stop time, or reverse the course of the marbles. Versus weaponry includes Ion Clouds (smoke screens you'll have to blow away via the DS mic), Recoils (which block marbles), Black Holes (which suck up launched marbles), Viruses (which deflect marbles) and Gravitons (which alter the path of launched marbles). A seemingly endless array of fresh twists will keep drawing you back to single-player Magnetica. Switches, tracks that pass over or below each other, and moving barriers that deflect marbles will keep you flicking marbles for hours. [Nintendo]
All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more... 83
GameZone
Magnetica is no Tetris DS but it certainly is an addictively enjoyable Nintendo DS game puzzle fans will definitely want to have when they’re in the mood for a good portable puzzler.
 80
Digital Entertainment News
There is a reason why this type of game has been around, and the twists on the gameplay for the DS version make it worth owning, even a must have, for puzzle fans.
80
Nintendo Power
IF you're looking for a break from "Tetris DS" or just a good challenge, Magnetica has it. [July 2006, p.94]
80
IGN
A satisfyingly fun puzzle game with a solid focus on player speed, skill, and accuracy. Its combo mechanic requires more thought than dumb luck, so smarter players can really strut their stuff if they've got the flicking motion to do it.
80
GamerFeed
Magnetica isn't the best puzzle game on the DS ("Tetris"...FTW), but it's still pretty damn sweet. I went into it not expecting anything special and was pleasantly surprised.
80
GamePro
Magnetica, while simple in premise, is a great puzzle game for those looking something more than a Tetris clone. The action is fast and hectic, and the touch-screen controls are responsive, giving the whole game a very polished feel.
80
NGamer UK
Another excellent addition to the DS's catalogue of puzzlers. It's the clacking sounds that do it for us. And the pretty colours. Mmm. [Nov 2006, p.71]
80
NTSC-uk
But the gameplay happily does all of the talking and Shunkan Puzzloop can sit comfortably with the likes of Tetris DS and Meteos as one of the best puzzle games available for the system. [JPN Import]
80
Games Master UK
All the qualities you'd want from a puzzle game. Classy. [Mar 2007, p.84]
78
netjak
You’ll pick away at the Quest mode, play the Challenge mode a few times here and there, and maybe you’ll take part in a multiplayer game or two; all will pique your interest in a matter of a few weeks. But still, a few weeks is a lot more than most titles these days can speak of.
78
N-Insanity
Magnetica is surely a decent piece of software to commence Touch Generations. While the whole 'being approachable by anyone' deal isn't entirely accurate here, the game is definitely something that many can delve right into.
75
Da Gameboyz
For those who have lots of playtime with Zuma, or a Zuma-like game, in the past you may want to wait for a price break on this game as you have played it before. For those new to this style of game, welcome and enjoy your time with it.
75
Armchair Empire
Magnetica probably won’t gain any converts to the puzzle genre. It’s repetitive, can often be frustrating, and it’s based on a game that’s been around since 1998, however, for quick play sessions for puzzle fans, Magnetica is worth the $40US. For everyone else, it’s harmless, it does what it does and it does it well, but if you’re not interested in puzzle games don’t worry about missing anything.
75
Deeko
In the end, Magnetica does fulfill a purpose, and that is to take an otherwise drab, uninteresting online game and make it a mildly more interesting online game that is now portable.
73
Game Informer
This is a simple concept you must have certainly seen before, but it's just as fun on the touch screen as it is with a more convvential scheme. [Aug 2006, p.92]
70
eToychest
At $35, there simply is so way to recommend this game, even for hard core puzzle enthusiasts. If you find the gameplay compelling, Zuma offers a near identical experience, and can be had for much less of a variety of platforms.
70
Games Radar
Basically, a hectic, good time. But is a simple puzzle game worth the same amount of cash as, say, New Super Mario Bros.? We have to say no, though if you're not interested in regular games, or just really need a puzzle fix, Magnetica should fit the bill.
70
GameSpot
Magnetica is a good, solid rendition of its chosen formula, but there isn't necessarily enough to the package to pull you away from your current addiction to any of the DS's other, better puzzle games.
65
Nintendojo
It's easy to pick up and play, yet just as easy to put away and forget about.
60
EuroGamer
Ultimately, despite the pleasing use of the stylus, there aren't enough original ideas to make it stand out from the crowd.
60
Edge Magazine
Despite the obvious staying power of the game’s mechanics that has made it a hit in all its various iterations, it strains to push itself beyond its one-note colour-matching principle into truly engaging puzzling. [Aug 2006, p.92]
60
My Gamer
For someone who has a knack for figuring out puzzle games, this game is ideal. However, it seems too confusing for the casual gamer who will likely give up in frustration before mastering the game’s nuances (like myself).
60
Pocket Gamer UK
A tough puzzler that lacks immediate charm, but offers a lasting challenge for those who persevere.
60
VideoGamer
The difficulty curve isn't so much a curve as it is a sudden vertical wall, and other game modes seem to rely on trial and error more than outright brain power.
60
GameSpy
The single-player game is entertaining, but ultimately, really can't sustain itself in comparison to, say, Meteos.
60
Modojo
Another thumbs-up puzzle game for the Nintendo DS, remaining just as creative in its gameplay as it was years ago. It's just a shame that more wasn't done in terms of the presentation or play modes to really make it worth the full price.
60
WHAM! Gaming
The biggest problem with a game like Magnetica is that whilst a puzzle game is supposed to be the kind of thing a casual gamer can just pick up and bash through, because of Magnetica's often seemingly impossible levels, the frustration of the lack of progress hinders its long term appeal.
60
Yahoo! Games
The music is the type of lame, new-age drivel that will lull you to sleep, and the graphics aren't more than a line of plain balls that fell off the Bust-A-Move truck...Magnetica is one of the most generic puzzle games to come down the conveyor belt.
55
NintendoWorldReport
Magnetica is so difficult that I find it hard to recommend not only to the people Nintendo is targeting with their Touch Generations line, but also to anybody else.
52
Official Nintendo Magazine UK
Merely average: fun in short bursts but don't expect to be playing it in a few months' time. [Mar 2007, p.89]
50
Gaming Age
Magnetica is an average puzzle game that gets old too quickly.
50
1UP
The best puzzlers work for all gamers, and Magnetica lacks the staying power to keep more seasoned puzzle fans interested for long.
42
Game Revolution
Though Magnetica is a decent little puzzler, it’s also available all over the Internet in a million different versions, almost all of which are cheaper than this full $34.99 price tag. You're intelligent enough of a consumer to know that makes this a hard sell, and in this case, knowing is half the puzzle.
Tony G. gave it a9: Blade gave it a9: Laurel O. gave it an8: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 |
|
 |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Popular on CBS sites: Fantasy Football | Miley Cyrus | MLB | iPhone 3G | GPS | Recipes | Shwayze | NFL
About CNET Networks | Jobs | Advertise
© 2008 CNET Networks, Inc., a CBS Company. All rights reserved. | Privacy Policy | Terms of Use
