Previous Next

Zen is a mole, and a very destructive one at that. His sole ambition in life is to knock down any remotely organised objects he comes across. Well, this game is sheer delight for him - 96 screens full of stick constructions, all waiting to be collapsed.

As Zen arrives at each new screen, he is presented with a network of grey slicks and stripy bridges. First, he has to work all the sticks loose, done by simply walking over them and in doing so turning them blue. Once Zen has turned all the sticks blue he can set his little magic Rotix on the move. This Rotix works its way around adjacent blue sticks, smashing them into oblivion in the process.

There are basically two different modes of control, the first being when Zen is not in possession of magic. In this mode Zen is yellow and it is only now he can turn the sticks blue. However, some sticks are too high for Zen to reach, so he has to use a little bit of mole magic...

Pressing the fire button puts Zen into magic mode, and in doing so he turns red. Zen can then float about horizontally, although if he needs to manoeuvre vertically he has to work his way onto a stick and bounce upwards - only possible in yellow belly mode. To get to certain sticks he needs to construct bridges, and for this he needs a bit more mole magic. He can then cast a spell to construct a section of bridge in any direction.

Each screen must be completed within a given time limit. As if this wasn't bad enough, there are always two nasties present and contact with either of them results in the loss of 100 units of time. Fortunately, Zen can keep the creatures at bay with a sprinkle of magic dust, and extra time can be gained by collecting jewels which occasionally appear on screen.

Although Collapse started out as a rather uninspiring game, it wasn't long before I was totally addicted. It's one of those maddeningly frustrating arcade puzzles which must appeal to everyone. The graphics aren't up to much, nor is the sound for that matter, but nevertheless what the game does have in its favour is fast moving, and often highly frenetic, action coupled with a fair amount of strategy. But don't let that put you off - it really is worthwhile, and at two quid it deserves to do well.

This looks dreadful and I wasn't too impressed on playing for the first time. However, several games later I was hooked and couldn't leave the game alone. It's a simple but highly addictive arcade puzzle - and I love it. All of the screens demand fast reactions and quick thinking - some more so than others. If, like me, you enjoy a decent arcade puzzle then Collapse is a worthy purchase at only two quid.

Puzzle freaks will love this but people who like their action in a different form won't. It's one of those types of games where you can see quite clearly what you have to do but try and work out how to do it. It's a good laugh, but not what I would call inspiring stuff. The graphics and sound are pretty grotty, but there is a game there and it's one worth looking at if you're into arcade puzzles.

Presentation 78%
Simple loading and title screens, but you can start from any level and up to four people can play.

Graphics 27%
Quite dull and lacking in colour.

Sound 19%
A few simple spot effects and little else.

Hookability 80%
It doesn't look much but it plays well.

Lastability 84%
96 challenging screens to collapse.

Value For Money 90%
The cheapest arcade puzzle available...

Overall 85%
...and definitely one of the best.