Magnetica

IF you're looking for a break from "Tetris DS" or just a good challenge, Magnetica has it. [July 2006, p.94]

A satisfyingly fun puzzle game with a solid focus on player speed, skill, and accuracy. Its combo mechanic requires more thought than dumb luck, so smarter players can really strut their stuff if they've got the flicking motion to do it.

Magnetica isn't the best puzzle game on the DS ("Tetris"...FTW), but it's still pretty damn sweet. I went into it not expecting anything special and was pleasantly surprised.

Magnetica, while simple in premise, is a great puzzle game for those looking something more than a Tetris clone. The action is fast and hectic, and the touch-screen controls are responsive, giving the whole game a very polished feel.

There is a reason why this type of game has been around, and the twists on the gameplay for the DS version make it worth owning, even a must have, for puzzle fans.

Another excellent addition to the DS's catalogue of puzzlers. It's the clacking sounds that do it for us. And the pretty colours. Mmm. [Nov 2006, p.71]

But the gameplay happily does all of the talking and Shunkan Puzzloop can sit comfortably with the likes of Tetris DS and Meteos as one of the best puzzle games available for the system. [JPN Import]

All the qualities you'd want from a puzzle game. Classy. [Mar 2007, p.84]

Magnetica is surely a decent piece of software to commence Touch Generations. While the whole 'being approachable by anyone' deal isn't entirely accurate here, the game is definitely something that many can delve right into.

You’ll pick away at the Quest mode, play the Challenge mode a few times here and there, and maybe you’ll take part in a multiplayer game or two; all will pique your interest in a matter of a few weeks. But still, a few weeks is a lot more than most titles these days can speak of.

For those who have lots of playtime with Zuma, or a Zuma-like game, in the past you may want to wait for a price break on this game as you have played it before. For those new to this style of game, welcome and enjoy your time with it.

Magnetica probably won’t gain any converts to the puzzle genre. It’s repetitive, can often be frustrating, and it’s based on a game that’s been around since 1998, however, for quick play sessions for puzzle fans, Magnetica is worth the $40US. For everyone else, it’s harmless, it does what it does and it does it well, but if you’re not interested in puzzle games don’t worry about missing anything.