Puzzle City

I was able to play the new game Puzzle City today, courtesy of eGames. Puzzle City incorporates aspects of many of my favorite games and I had a great time playing it!

The object of the game is to build up 48 different cityscapes by constructing a variety of buildings, homes and businesses. Using a series of differently shaped blocks that can be sorted into the city grid, you can construct factories, police stations, hospitals, schools and more! After placing the blocks, your construction team gets to work and completed buildings pop up! Complete the scenario's requirements before time runs out (or before the block conveyor belt explodes!) to win the level, or play in the untimed relax mode to build at your own pace!

I enjoyed this game for the unique blend: logic puzzle meets tetris meets construction game. The graphics are very good and change quite often, keeping the player interested to discover what will be revealed in the next city.

48 different levels makes this game a lengthy puzzler - you won't finish it in an hour, that's for sure. That is always a good thing, in my book!

Some tips and tricks:

• Keep a close eye on your level's goals. Often I found myself building away content to create a lovely housing district and forgot that I had to build something specific in that area. (Oops, lol)
• Try to save the single blocks to fill in the spaces later on. So many times you'll end up needing one or two single pieces and they can be hard to come by!
• Use the power-ups freely. You can earn a LOT of power-ups but you can only store 10 at a time. Use them often to keep new ones coming in.
• The Bulldozer can be your best friend! Use it to clear placed blocks and open up space for larger pieces that may be stuck on your conveyor belt!

The game can be downloaded from several websites, including eGames! (Click here to download from eGames.com)

I give this game a 9 out of 10!

Build-a-Lot

Click the image above to be taken to the download page or click HERE.

I really enjoyed this game! I tried the evaluation version from Real Arcade and didn't think it looked that exciting, but once I got started, I did not want to stop!

You play as a real estate developer who works with the local towns to improve their real estate markets. In the career mode of the game, each level has it's own set of requirements and a time limit. Build a variety of homes and other buildings, meet rental and cash requirements and meet the level goals before time runs out!

Although the game begins easy, it soon becomes quite challenging. Attaining expert goal on every level is definitely not easy, but I enjoyed every moment of the game.

As you progress through the levels, you unlock new buildings and homes. Draft the new blueprints and build on!

The game also offers a relaxed mode, which I found quite enjoyable - great for learning the game play as well!

Some tips and tricks -

• Build 2 banks and set one to donate, so you don't have to pay taxes, and leave the other to collect interest. Although this uses up a lot that could be a home, you can make a LOT of money this way!
• For most levels, building the most expensive home you can and selling it right away can give you a good financial base with which to expand!
• Upgrade all of your homes! The upgrade value can significantly increase your rental income and the sale value of the home!
• Do not put your houses up for sale while other homes are selling. You won't get the full value.
• Buy homes that come up for sale if you can afford it. When they need to be repaired, demolish them and build a more expensive home on that lot.

I give this game an 8 out of 10!
For more information and tips, visit the PlayFirst forums and Game Cafe!