Pixel Defenders Puzzle

Pixel Defenders Puzzle is a great strategy game using the excellent match three evolution formula that feels fresh, and highly addictive. With loads of game modes, achievements and levels this is one of the best puzzle-strategy games in the App Store.

There's always been something satisfying about match-3 mechanics, but after enough years playing them over and over they're bound to start feeling stale. Pixel Defenders Puzzle steps beyond that by taking something from a game that was already an excellent evolution of the genre and moving it forward to another, even-more satisfying level.

Pixel Defenders Puzzle is 69p, less than a chocolate bar, yet it over-delivers - and although it offers in-app purchases, you won't ever need to spend money beyond that purchase price. It's a great game - and also proof, were it needed, that Ken Levine really knows his niche puzzlers.

Pixel Defenders Puzzle can get crazily detailed - in a good way - as you take into account your units' various abilities, the monsters' various abilities, the powerful support monsters that show up, and the complexity of the grid filling up.

The main story mode is broken up into 36 stages, each against a set number of enemy waves. Two bonus modes offer additional diversions, with Assault pitting players against an infinite number of enemies, while Endless mode removes attacking completely to make it a pure puzzle game. Both are satisfying for their own charms, and will keep players coming back long after the story missions are over.

Overall, Pixel Defenders Puzzle is a good mash-up of a match 3, strategy, and combat game. It's not what a causal gamer looking to kill a few minutes will want, but for a more dedicated person, it could be exactly what they are looking for.