Puzzle Quest: Galactrix

Deep, addictive gameplay; worthy sequel to the original Puzzle Quest.

The crew at Infinite Interactive did a fantastic job of continuing the Puzzle Quest series without letting it get bogged down in the mire of unoriginality. The story is great, the presentation is slick and polished, the puzzles are challenging, varied, and fresh, and the new setting really makes things unique.

With great graphics, an immersive soundtrack, Galactrix is a brilliant puzzle game that suits the DS perfectly which we could happily recommend to a variety of different gamers as they attempt to explore the galaxy through this wondrous puzzle universe.

Few DS games are as interesting, as satisfying, or just as fun as Puzzle Quest: Galactrix. Whether you’re a PQ fan or a newcomer to the series, this one will suck you in and keep you happily addicted for months to come.

If you are a fan of PQ, Galactrix will hook you all over again. The zero gravity puzzle game is slightly more complex, and there is an entire galaxy of quests, mini-games, and characters to get lost in. Some interface hiccups mar the presentation and the visuals aren't all that impressive, but the core gameplay is rock solid. Plus, the music is fantastic.

Galactrix succeeds in all the ways a sophomore entry should. It maintains the core approach of its successful forebear, but isn’t afraid to integrate a bevy of new ideas along the way. Not every one of these new concepts pans out, but it hasn’t lost the flavor that made so many devote themselves the first time around.

Puzzle Quest Galactrix successfully reproduces the hybrid RPG/puzzle design that made the previous fantasy-themed Challenge of the Warlords so successful. Even if the overall package doesn't quite match the magic of the older game, this is still a great puzzle title that's tough to put down once you've picked it up.

Its handful of small setbacks are just about evenly balanced with its improvements though, so Galactrix still offers an addictive, puzzle-meets-RPG experience that won’t disappoint most fans of the original PQ, as well as anyone looking for an accessible game that still packs plenty of substance.

Like peanut butter and chocolate, the combination of classic puzzle gameplay and RPG game mechanics results in something greater than the sum of its parts.

Some of the in-game events are tedious, like unlocking Leapgates or tracking down an enemy who is faster than you are, but Galactrix is still out of this world.

Aside from the strict multiplayer set-up and smaller issues, Puzzle Quest Galactrix is a top-notch sequel. If you need a solid portable puzzler or just want a little something different, head to Galactrix's final frontier.

This is a highly addictive and fun puzzle game that every DS owners should check out.

It’s not quite as well-rounded an experience as its predecessor and it can be frustrating at times, but ultimately the combination role-playing and 3-match puzzle game formula is still very much a winner here.

The issues with loading and presentation make the predecessor, "Challenge of the Warlords" , the better of the two titles as far as Nintendo DS gamers are concerned. However, the amount of content here in Puzzle Quest: Galactrix and the difficulty of the game make it leagues better than most other titles you'll find on the portable system. Most importantly, while the rules of the main game have changed, the fun and addictive nature still come through.

Find a space-faring friend to exchange laser fire with via local multiplayer. [Apr 2009, p.83]

Puzzle Quest: Galactrix is a lot of fun and it reminds me why I enjoyed the first game as much as I did. The simple puzzle interface combined with the role-playing elements go together like peanut butter and chocolate.

This an addictive and equally fun puzzler that actually manages to throw in a storyline in between the puzzling. Even though the plot is quite superfluous it does work. If you're in the market for a fun and addictive puzzler for the Nintendo DS you should definitely give this one a try.

The series remains the only true blending of the two genres, and Galactrix, if nothing else, proves that the Puzzle Quest definitely has room to grow. Hopefully inevitable sequels will be able to refine the tutorials, learning from PC strategy games in easing players into mechanics, instead of piling them on from the outset.

A solid second outing for the Puzzle Quest series that will keep you busy for light years if you can overlook a few frustrating elements. [June 2009, p.65]

Galactrix could be a disappointment for the Puzzle Quest fans; the core gameplay is now based too much on luck, and everything else is just not as funny and balanced like before. However, Galactrix is still a good puzzle game. Just not as good as we had hoped.

Galactrix reaches for the stars, but isn’t as stellar as its predecessor.

Galactrix reaches for the stars, but is grounded due to gameplay dominated by chance, minor control issues, and middling presentation.

Puzzle Quest: Galactrix for DS has all the makings of a great new entry into this now hugely popular adventure series. The story is compelling and well paced, the presentation is strong, and most importantly, the gameplay here trumps its predecessor in just about every way. But the basic foundation of the game – touching – is almost broken. Galactrix is still playable and still very addictive, but endless flubs on the game’s part will inevitably cause your blood to boil.

While the overall blandness means Galactrix is unlikely to truly thrill many people, it also means that it won’t exclude anyone either, and the ever-reliable pattern-spotting blends with the steady trickle of meaningless rewards to exert a pull on its audience that is truly Pavlovian. [Apr 2009, p.125]

If you like the match three concept and RPG’s too, there is no question you are going to love this game. If you’re a bit dicey on both then I’d suggest you try before you buy.

A serious pat on the back for effort. There is a of content in that little cartridge, and a good portion of it is seriously addictive.

Its serviceable but unremarkable combat, overhaul of familiar gameplay, and blacklisting of different character classes add little to the franchise.

I'm a huge fan of the original Puzzle Quest and really wanted to like Galactrix, but sadly the new features introduced actually ruin a lot of what made the original so great.

Puzzle Quest: Galactrix is a game that improves in many areas upon the original Puzzle Quest, but simply doesn't do enough to make itself anything more than a spruced up casual adventure.

If the the old school Puzzle Quest is mega-addicting black tar heroin, then the new one is some brown weed that barely gets you high and leaves you with little more than a headache and a bad taste in your mouth.

With Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlords being one of the best puzzle games ever, Galactrix isn't. The result is a game that is unique and interesting but leaves much to be desired for lasting appeal.