Exciting 3D Brain Teaser
Crystal Journey has a simplicity to it that may turn the player away from a remarkably charming puzzle game. Once I got past the introduction, I found that the game was more challenging and certainly more pleasant an experience. The title teases your brain as you navigate each complex area. It does this while adding on plenty of game mechanics that keep will keep players on their toes. The goal of the game is helping Lum, the main character, with collecting a shining purple crystal.
This becomes even more challenging as each new area places more and more obstacles in the player’s path. With four adventures in this game, completing the game takes just under two hours if you have puzzle solving confidence. But playing the game may take longer than that if a player enjoys themselves and doesn’t attempt to rush through some of the more complex areas.
A Word of Caution to Those Who Hate Motion
Crystal Journey has an interesting challenge for those who aren’t used to moving a three-dimensional platform around with touch controls. As someone who finds some games a bit nauseating, thanks to motion-sickness, Crystal Journey can have that effect on some players. Adjusting the zoom and focus of the map in the three-dimensional can prove a bit troublesome, but the game handles it well. Fans of the Captain Toad games may find comfort in Crystal Journey if they enjoy the same puzzle solving aspect. Unlike some iOS games, it is easy to see that this game has a great adjuster for ensuring that speed of zoom and map focus does not fly off the rails.
The music for Crystal Journey surprised me with how pleasantly soothing it was. In a frustrating area of the game I might be tempted to get overwhelmed with the title’s puzzles. The music did well to keep the experience positive. If I had to critique design choice, I would say that some areas are a tad too bright. With some areas being dark enough, like Area 4, the game makes it easier to see switches and locations that Lum needs to reach. Some levels are not easy on the eyes, but adjusting the brightness might be the only way around that issue.
Playing Crystal Journey will take you through four areas of complex puzzles with a glowing crystal waiting at the end of each. Each area has unique taste and adds plenty of challenges to enjoy, all the way to the final puzzle.
