Pixelus
from Astraware

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Pixelus is the newest puzzle game from Astraware & PopCap Games. It's a very challenging game where you'll need to slide tiles to complete a mosaic picture. It's not only challenging, but very addicting in every way. The music is calming and bright. Pixelus is destined to become one of your most popular games. Whether you play during a short break or a long commute, you'll find yourself amused for hours!

Features:

• Innovative new Mosaic game mechanics!
• Over 200 unique puzzles to solve!
• Meet mythical gods aplenty in the exciting storyline!
• Turn-based gameplay for thoughtful puzzle lovers!
• Progressive level of difficulty introduces new players to the game while challenging expert gamers
• Interactive tutorial mode
• Atmospheric music soundtrack
• Beautifully detailed native VGA graphics for the latest VGA Pocket PCs

Game Play

When you first start Pixelus, you'll be presented with a storyline tutorial on how to play the game. The graphics are rich and colorful. The object is to fix the floor mosaics in order to please the Gods. The tutorial will show you exactly how to play the game and the tricks needed in order to complete the tougher levels.

The first levels are easy and will take very little thought. However, the higher levels will be extremely challenging. The fewer moves used to complete the mosaic, the better.

Start by selecting the first puzzle.
You must do each puzzle in order before you are able to advance to the next level.

Slide a block (which turns red if used in a blank area).
Each tile must be blocked so it can't slide of the end.

Click the RED tile again to remove it.

Once you've completed the puzzle, you'll receive either a gold, silver or bronze medal for the number of moves.
Gold is perfect. Silver and bronze are given for one or two moves over the minimum.
Click the next puzzle to continue.

As the levels increase and you move to other temples, the puzzles get much harder.

Oh, Gods of Mount Olympus… Please help me!
You can always click HINT and you'll see this screen.
If you wish to know all of the moves (or just the first one), it will show you the way.

Pixelus is a great puzzle game for the thinkers of the world. One of the best features of this game is the auto save. Close the application and you'll be returned right where you left off to continue on the way. However, I challenge you to try playing for only ten minutes. It's a very addicting game and easy to become hooked. There are no time limits and if you mess up, just reset the puzzle and do it over again. There is also an UNDO button to remove the last few tiles. The game also allows you to set up additional players so everyone can enjoy the game. The game levels are saved for each of the different players.

Pixelus is available for Windows Pocket PC Mobile 2002 and later. Sorry, it does not work on Pocket PC 2000. There is a VGA version for those of you who own higher resolution devices. Pixelus is also available for the color Palm devices 5.0 and later.

The game sells for $19.95. You can try it or buy it here.

NOTE: I have noticed a few times I've had to do a soft reset before opening the application. Sometimes it fails to load the first time. It may have something to do with the fact I'm using a Phone Edition to test the game. After a soft reset, the game works beautifully.

Special thanks to Alison from Astraware for sending us a full version to review.
The game was tested using the Verizon XV6600 Pocket PC Phone Edition running Windows Mobile 2003 Second Edition.

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Screenshots in this review were obtained using Pocket Controller - Professional
which was generously provided by SOTI