CRUSH! Review
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CRUSH! Review

Our Review by Angela LaFollette on June 25th, 2013
Rating: starstarstarstarhalfstar :: TOUGH PUZZLER
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CRUSH! is an intense block-based puzzler that’s best described as Tetris’ evil twin brother.

Developer: Radiangames

Price: $0.99
Version: 1.02
App Reviewed on: iPhone 5

Graphics/Sound Rating: starstarstarstarhalfstar
Controls Rating: starstarstarstarhalfstar
Gameplay Rating: starstarstarstarhalfstar
Replay Value Rating: starstarstarstarhalfstar

Overall Rating: starstarstarstarhalfstar

From the creators of Slydris and other popular iOS games comes a new block-based puzzler that’s sure to melt minds. CRUSH! comes with it’s own warning in the App Store because it is indeed quite hard.

At first glance, the simple and elegant interface stand out and make CRUSH! look simple. However, things quickly take a turn when gamers play one of three short-burst puzzle modes.

The goal is to remove the falling blocks quickly before they reach the bottom of the screen. Gamers must remove blocks of the same color while blocks continue to pile. There’s a bit of strategy involved because the blocks wrap around the sides of the screen—ultimately causing cleared groups to affect the other side of the screen. Single blocks can be removed too, but it’s best to only do so if it helps to remove a large section of blocks.

In think mode, players must take their time and strategically plan moves. Creating combos increases the score. The blocks move slowly over time and take a large jump after each move is made. React mode features blocks that move quickly so the goal is to keep the stack low and survive as long as possible. Crush mode combines speed and strategy so gamers must try to survive as long as possible while racking up lots of points.

Fortunately, CRUSH! includes six recharging power-ups that help players climb up the Game Center leaderboards. Power-ups are selected before each game and are activated by tapping the button on the bottom of the screen or using a two finger tap. Power-ups are unlocked based on credits earned in the game, which helps to keep the replay value high. There are no in-app purchases.

There’s little to complain about when it comes to finding flaws. The only issue I noticed was that I kept accidentally hitting the pause button while playing. However, switching to landscape mode seemed to work better for me.

Overall, CRUSH! will have gamers’ heads spinning. Intense quick gaming sessions make CRUSH! perfect to play during those short breaks throughout the workday. Since it’s tough to get past two minutes, it’s hard to not hit retry after each game. For the price of less than one dollar, I wouldn’t pass up on downloading this one today.

iPhone Screenshots

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iPad Screenshots

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CRUSH! screenshot 5 CRUSH! screenshot 6 CRUSH! screenshot 7 CRUSH! screenshot 8
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