Nintendo Okie

When the 3DS eShop launched I was excited about the prospect of all the new downloadable games that the new system was going to bring with it. The reality has been very different. To this point there has been one original 3D game launched in the eShop and a handful of old NES/Arcade remakes with some 3D enhancement. Now, Pyramids has come along to double the amount of new content available for the system.

What You Need to Know

Pyramids is a block puzzle game developed by Enjoy Gaming. You play as a wizened old archaeologist in search of ancient, Egyptian relics. At least, that’s what I presume is going on because there is no story that I’ve been able to decipher. Not even the game’s e-manual gives you any background on the game. Your job is to figure out retrieve the ankh shaped key to the area that you’re in, collect treasures and exit out the door to the next level. There are 54 levels in the game, with the ability to import more through the use of QR codes.

Great Puzzle Play

When Catherine launched for the Xbox 360 and the PS3 I was immediately turned off to the game because of the block puzzle style gameplay. Pyramids also uses blocks in order to solve puzzles. You can place or remove any stone block on the screen with a button press, or jump under blocks twice to remove them from play. Some obstacles in the game, like rolling boulders will destroy blocks on the screen with one hit, while others, like flying skulls take two to remove them.

Figuring out the proper timing to add, or remove blocks is key to surviving all of the levels. Sometimes, enemies that will kill you can be trapped through the use of well placed blocks, or boulders can be re-routed to keep you out of danger.

In addition to that there are bonuses for finishing the levels in a set amount of time and for collecting all of the treasure in the level. You’ll find yourself replaying a number of levels because unlocking new worlds isn’t simply a matter of finishing the puzzles. You’ll need to collect those bonus stars to unlock more content.

Downloadable Content

Pyramids has the ability to import new levels into your game through the use of QR codes. These codes are available through a number of different outlets, including the game’s official Facebook page. There are spots for at least nine new levels, with the possibility of even more beyond that. The technology is simple to use. Just point the camera at the code and hit one button and you’ve got a new level. This could lead to endless amounts of content being available for the game.

Fiddly Controls

One of the key requirements of puzzle games, especially ones where timing is crucial, is solid, responsive controls. This is where Pyramids falls down just a bit. I highly recommend using the d-pad to control your adventurer, because the analog stick isn’t nearly as precise as the d-pad for somethings. It can be really hard to tell when you’re pointed to a diagonal and when you’re pointed on a cardinal direction, and that can be the difference between life and death. There were many times when I found that I was in slightly the wrong position and was trying to place a block, while a spiked ball was heading toward me, only to be killed because I wasn’t quite in the right position. Other times the jump button wouldn’t quite respond fast enough to avoid a boulder, or cause me to jump to shoot a snake that was above me. That meant wasted ammunition and a restart of the level.

Large Difficulty Curve

The game starts out fairly enough, and the first few puzzles are designed to simply teach you the controls of the game. After that things begin to ramp up very quickly. Many of the early levels will be very easy, should you just want to make it to the exit, but since you’re required to have a set number of stars to progress through the game you’re going to be coming back to levels numerous times. Trying to get all of the treasure in the levels after the first world will begin to be very difficult very quickly and the spike in difficulty could turn some people off. If you’ve got the patience to stick it out and really work to solve the puzzles you’re going to have a wonderful since of accomplishment. Many of the levels really require some complex things to happen, in perfect timing and it’s a great feeling when you actually pull off some of the things you’re required to do. Just be warned that the game can get very hard, very fast.

Conclusion

There’s no denying that the 3DS eShop is hurting for original content and it could be very easy to just latch on to anything that comes to the store. However, Enjoy Gaming has put out a very solid puzzle game that’s sure to test even the most intelligent, and quick fingered of people. The small price tag, additional content and just solid game play really combine into one of the best games I’ve played on the system yet.

Final Score: 

Review copy of the game purchased on the Nintendo 3DS eShop.
Played through the six worlds and two additional DLC levels.
Total Play time: 7 hours