- Publisher: Microsoft Game Studios
- Release Date: Mar 26, 2008
- Also On: PC
- Critic score
- Publication
- By date
-
TiQal falls squarely on the casual side of the puzzle spectrum, but it's an interesting change of pace for hardened veterans looking for a more relaxing puzzle experience, and a solid primer for block-dropping novices.
-
Unfortunately, it is pretty easy to beat, and as a result there will only be about 10 hours of fun in the initial play through. The simple game mechanic is not excellent, but it is good enough to go back and beat it several more times.
-
It doesn’t have the lifespan of other XBOX Live Arcade titles and your 800 Microsoft Points could be spent on a better title.
-
The problem isn't that TiQal is a casual game, but that it's a lazy casual game. A game so mired in existing formula that it has nothing to offer beyond bland distraction.
-
While you're unlikely to find many online players to compete with, TiQal does offer a fun, albeit contrived, puzzle game experience.
-
You will need to play the game to realize its potential and accept that TiQal is definitely one of Xbox Live Arcade's greatest games to date.
-
A puzzle game has to be challenging in order for it to be addictive but TiQal gives players too many chances.
-
TiQal builds on rich puzzle traditions to create an exotic game full of ambiance and excitement.
-
If you have a modicum of gaming ability, the challenge is simply non-existent for dozens of levels. You’ll simply be going through the motions. Even casual gamers may find TiQal a bit too forgiving for a bit too long. It’s almost too casual.
-
Ultimately, the power-ups and new block groups are the only things that expand TiQal's experience, and they're artificially spaced as unlockables within single-player.
-
It’s thoroughly unexciting and visually uninspired, but that’s more the fault of TiQal’s place in history. If it had been one of the first puzzle games on the service, it might stand out a bit more. But now, despite its passable gameplay, it’s hard to not just say “wow, they made another one of these?” and move on.
-
TiQal is a fairly derivative falling block game, but it matches to the target casual audience fairly well. If you’re looking for a laid back puzzler it might be worth your time to give TiQal a try.
-
You can't help but feel that TiQal is a few years too late.
-
Lumines and Tetris may have paved the way with their falling block puzzles, but TiQal holds its own with a combination of gorgeous presentation, humorous writing and a simple yet entertaining puzzle structure. TiQal is worth your time, money and praise.
-
At the beginning of the tediously unchanging Adventure Mode (the only mode in the game), you have nearly unlimited time when choosing where to drop a block. That removes any sense of urgency…and you really don’t need to employ any strategy to succeed anyway.
-
Official Xbox Magazine UKPassable, but there are better alternatives. [May 2008, p.92]
-
A great-looking but ultimately unfulfilling experience. There’s a lot of flash and flair, but not a whole lot of substance.
-
Slapdash games have produced a pleasing enough title, one that might have rabid Tetris fans foaming at the mouth in anticipation but in all honesty it’s really nothing new or novel, and nothing you haven’t seen a thousand times before.
-
There really is not much to TiQal. If you play the demo for five minutes, you've pretty much mastered all there is to the game.
-
X-ONE Magazine UKThings couldn't get more generic unless there was somehow stealth, crates and a space marine superhero involved. [Issue#32, p.117]
-
Xbox World 360 Magazine UKA good combo which works well, but the elements are already fun enough without muddying the waters. [July 2008, p.96]