Magnetic Billiards: Blueprint

 iOS
Magnetic Billiards: Blueprint Image
Metascore
81

Generally favorable reviews - based on 8 Critic Reviews What's this?

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  • Summary: When veteran video game designers John and Ste Pickford discovered a mysterious bundle of papers hidden in the family attic, who could have guessed it would lead to one of the best new modern puzzle games in years?To John and Ste's delight their work revealed an addictive, compelling, andWhen veteran video game designers John and Ste Pickford discovered a mysterious bundle of papers hidden in the family attic, who could have guessed it would lead to one of the best new modern puzzle games in years?To John and Ste's delight their work revealed an addictive, compelling, and completely original strategic puzzle game, which they named 'Magnetic Billiards: Blueprint'. The game plays very much like pool, using intuitive touch controls. The twist is that balls of the same colour stick together magnetically when they touch.Magnetic Billiards tables have no pockets, instead balls are removed by building clusters of connected balls, with extra rewards for creating recognised cluster shapes. Points are scored based on the skill displayed and risks taken each shot, and grades are awarded for the total score earned when a table is cleared.Clearing a table is the easy part. Trying to earn high scores and achieve high grades is where the surprising genius of the game becomes apparent.Sure, anyone can beat an F grade, but will you ever get an A grade? Is there a higher grade than A? Can you unlock all the tables?Although easy to play the game is fiendishly addictive, as the simple game mechanic is deceptively subtle and deep. Even after months of play you'll still be figuring out new ways to beat your previous best scores and grades.As you aim for higher and higher you'll realise that no two games of Magnetic Billiards: Blueprint are ever alike. Re-playing each table presents you with an endlessly fascinating challenge, as new strategic decisions need to be made with every shot to maximise the points earned.Magnetic Billiards: Blueprint is completely FREE to play, and packed with great features:• 20 graded 'Casual' tables to unlock, requiring skill and careful play to earn the highest grades.• A 'Grand Score' which keeps track of the sum of your best ever scores on each table.• A 'Grand Tally' which keeps track of the sum of all the points you've ever earned across every game played.• Full Game Center support, including separate Leaderboards for both the iPhone / iPod touch and iPad versions.• Dozens of Achievements to discover.• Completely 'universal' app, with fast and responsive gameplay on both the iPhone / iPod touch and the iPad.• Full HD graphics on iPad and Retina displays.Addition optional expansions can be purchased in-game, including new content and new game modes:• Three Arcade Games - Relentless, Sardines and Countdown - ranging from stress-free relaxing gaming, to manic, fast-paced challenges.• 20 graded 'Serious' tables, offering a deeper challenge for more advanced players.• A one time only purchase of a 'Skeleton Key', unlocking all existing content and any future content, as well as allowing a short-cut to instantly unlock any table.… Expand
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 8
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 8
  3. Negative: 0 out of 8
  1. Multiplayer.it
    Sep 29, 2011
    90
    Not only Magnetic Billiards: Blueprint is one of the most original, clever and downright entertaining puzzle games on the App Store, it's also one of the best examples on how free-to-play gaming should be done.
  2. TouchArcade
    Aug 1, 2011
    90
    Magnetic Billiards' free-to-play model is pretty much perfect.
  3. Pocket Gamer UK
    Aug 29, 2011
    90
    Magnetic Billiards packs an original gameplay concept, tweaked to near-perfection, and steeped in character. This is what indie gaming should be.
  4. Eurogamer
    Jul 25, 2011
    80
    As a puzzle formula, it's incredibly simple but alarmingly addictive once you get going.
  5. Edge Magazine
    Oct 6, 2011
    80
    Generous, polished and charmingly eccentric, Magnetic Billiards proves the benefits of deliberation - though if this is indicative of the quality the Pickfords can bring to iOS, here's hoping their next isn't quite so long in the making.
  6. games(TM)
    Sep 13, 2011
    70
    The main game strikes enough of a balance between accessibility and challenge that it'll likely keep you shooting away the hours without you noticing them pass. [Issue#113, p.114]
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  7. TouchGen
    Oct 16, 2011
    70
    A fun psychedelic diversion that works well as a casual game for shorter moments. Trying to play longer sessions is taxing because of the randomness of awesome to poor shots, and the weak level progression.

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User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1 out of 1
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 1
  3. Negative: 0 out of 1
  1. Hotpot
    Sep 13, 2011
    10
    Fantastic game. Have been playing this non-stop since it came out on my iTouch and have to say the attention to detail in terms of theFantastic game. Have been playing this non-stop since it came out on my iTouch and have to say the attention to detail in terms of the design, sound and progression is just stellar. Exactly what I'd expect from a Pickford Bros production

    The core mechanic did take me a few minutes to get used to (it felt a tad counter intuitive to try and do something in 'more' shots) but once it 'clicked' I was totally hooked and soon bought the unlocks for the Pro tables.

    Best part is as its a free-to-play game you have absolutely nothing to lose by trying it out! Hopefully at some point this will make its way over to Android and I can get a fix on my phone too! ;)    … Expand

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