Art Style: AQUIA

 DS
Metascore
70

Mixed or average reviews - based on 16 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 16
  3. Negative: 2 out of 16
  1. Nintendo Life
    90
    Featuring elegant design, polished graphics, and pick-up-and-play addictiveness; the Art Style series is a perfect-fit for DSiWare. The game's rather traditional concept, mixed in with a unique twist, creates one of the most fresh and enjoyable puzzles on any handheld. Trust us, you won’t be disappointed with Art Style: AQUITE.
  2. Vandal
    85
    Art Style: AQUITE has the risk of going unnoticed, but it truly presents one of the most interesting proposal of this first wave of DSIWare titles, and in fact, regardless its origins, is a puzzle that has delighted us and we only miss any sort of multiplayer option.
  3. Nintendojo
    85
    Art Style: AQUIA stands as a worthy successor to the Art Style series.
  5. IGN
    84
    You get a great, deceptively deep concept, and can boot this one up anytime you want to. It may not hold you for hours on end, but for quick spurts of puzzle gaming Aquia is an impressive DSi launch title, and my personal favorite in the launch bunch.
  6. Giant Bomb
    80
    While this formula is as old as time itself, AQUIA does it in a way that few games have done before, and it does it with an interesting, underwater-themed look.
  7. Destructoid
    80
    The game is far from perfect, but it's interesting, and I feel like I better understand the puzzle genre as a whole for having played it.
  8. Cubed3
    80
    Puzzle fans really should not miss out.
  9. Official Nintendo Magazine UK
    79
    The best aspect of the game is the soundtrack. With headphones on you'll be completely immersed. [June 2009, p.87]
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  10. PALGN
    75
    It's a little bare-bones, but Art Style: AQUITE is unique and addictive.
  11. Cheat Code Central
    72
    There may be only two modes, but the block-shifting mechanic keeps the gameplay fresh, and I found myself wanting to come back to this title more than a few times.
  12. GameSpot
    70
    Aquia is a fun puzzle game that combines Tetris and Bejeweled with a unique twist, but annoying quirks prevent it from shining as brightly as it should.
  13. NintendoWorldReport
    70
    Art Style: Aquia is an original take on the match-three puzzle genre, and its ominous setting make for a nice puzzle environment. However, it lacks variety and is quite difficult.
  14. N-Europe
    70
    It's a pleasant game, but that's about it.
  15. Pocket Gamer UK
    50
    Despite being a DSiWare launch game, Art Style: AQUITE is a dull puzzler that should have been dumped at sea.
  16. Modojo
    40
    If you have some Nintendo points burning a hole in your wallet, this wouldn't be a complete waste of $5, but other DSi games offer a greater value. When it's all said and done, the most Art Style: Aquia has an interesting title and not much else.
  17. Eurogamer
    30
    The tasteful, minimalist aquatic theme of Art Style: Aquite appears designed to offset what is actually a rather tedious sorting game.

Awards & Rankings

64
#64 Best DS Game of 2009
68
#68 Most Discussed DS Game of 2009

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.3

Mixed or average reviews- based on 7 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 7
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 7
  3. Negative: 1 out of 7
  1. JJfromTexas
    Jul 22, 2013
    6
    A serviceable puzzle game with a unique presentation, AQUIA is a decent entry in the DSiWare Art Style series. I found it to be a bitA serviceable puzzle game with a unique presentation, AQUIA is a decent entry in the DSiWare Art Style series. I found it to be a bit confusing at first, but once I got the hang of it managed to perform capably. However, it's worth noting I did have some success by simply randomly pushing pieces around when the screen was close to becoming fully dark; not enough to advance very far, but worth mentioning nonetheless.… Full Review »
  2. J.K.
    Aug 15, 2009
    9
    Aquia (or Aquite as it is called in the EU zone) is in fact three games in one (albeit utilizing the same core mechanics); each requires aAquia (or Aquite as it is called in the EU zone) is in fact three games in one (albeit utilizing the same core mechanics); each requires a different approach and strategies.
    The difficulty curve is uneven; some levels are mind-numbingly hard while some are simply a pleasure swim. The later levels are, however, consequently hard and require both fast thinking and lighting reflexes.
    There is little connection between the mechanics and theme, but the game is good and immersive enough it's hard to notice.
    One of the most fantastic elements of the game is the quirky and unique music that accompanies the gameplay; it changes from level to level and, with music-like sound effects, creates a different feel every time. Try playing it with headphones on; it's worth it.
    A very nice title that I still return to.    … Full Review »
  3. NathanW
    May 11, 2009
    8
    A great game once you understand what to do, but the difficulty can become challenging quickly.
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