Another mini-game has you mining moons for a variety of different valuables (minerals, gold, isotopes, etc.) that can be traded, sold and used in completing your missions. These mini-games feel like a throwback to the first Puzzle Quest, where you go in and match whatever valuables you want until you run out of choices. These various mini-games are fun diversions, but they aren't as much fun as battling other spaceships.
On top of an absolutely gigantic single player story, you can also go head to head with your friends. Of course, much like the first game, you really need to find somebody that you are equal to in order to have a fun time. It's a shame that the game doesn't allow for more even battles, but that's just not the way Puzzle Quest has been. Hopefully when they get around to developing the next game they'll address this concern.
The graphics and sound are about what you would expect from a Puzzle Quest game, which is to say that you will get a lot of drawn images standing and talking while cheesy music plays in the background. You don't play this game for the visuals, but rather the exciting space battles ... as told through a puzzle. I'm fine with the graphics as they are. In fact, I would probably be a little upset if the game had slick cut scenes and music from today's hottest bands. There's something about the simplistic look and sound that fits this game, even if it won't win any awards for its beauty.
On the surface it looks like Puzzle Quest Galactrix is everything I would want from an Xbox Live Arcade game. I loved the first game, I love space battles and I love all of the new technology and weapons you get to play with over the course of the game. The problem is, I don't particularly like the game. I know I should (and I wish I did), but there's something about the game this time around that doesn't feel as fresh and exciting. I have a hunch that most of my problem stems from the new game board. Had this been the traditional square board I wouldn't be so down on this release, but as it is I had a hard time getting into it. There's a lot to like in Puzzle Quest Galactrix, just don't expect this to be as fresh and fun as the original.
B-
Puzzle Quest Galactrix sounds like a dream come true. I love the epic space battles, cool technology and, most importantly, the first game. So why is it that I can't get into this pseudo-sequel? This is a good second attempt, but I liked the first game better!
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