Move the Wood Review

Move the Wood is a game that combines puzzles with the classic game of guiding a ball around holes using the accelerometer. The basic premise of the game is novel, but it’s far from being innovative and the two game types don't blend together perfectly.

The controls are super simple: players control a metal ball by tilting their device and move wooden puzzle pieces by taping and swiping. The controls are fine and work well enough.

The main problem with the game is that game play goes back and forth between moving blocks to solve the puzzle and maneuvering the ball. While solving the puzzle, I would just back the ball up against a wall until I had cleared a path to the goal. While some levels require moving pieces, then guiding the metal ball, and then some more puzzle solving, it felt like it was two separate games, instead of one cohesive game. That being said, if both aspects of the game sound appealing then be sure to check it out.

The levels are very well designed and challenging. I wasn't bored with the levels and they don't all look the same. Some of the levels have canals and bridges, which offers a nice change of pace. The difficulty also ramps up pretty quickly so don’t expect to be bored on the beginning levels.

One minor gripe I have is that there is no restart button so the only way to start the level again is to die. Be sure to read the instructions, because there's no in-game tutorial and the pause button is actually one of the holes. Only 10 levels are included for free and a total of 60 levels can be purchased for $0.99. I would definitely suggest playing the free levels before purchasing the rest of the levels.

Move the Wood is two separate, albeit well done, games in one. The two aspects don't really blend together to create a new, innovative type of game, but the app does have some fun and challenging levels.