Pipe Mania (Nintendo DS) - Review by Andrew

Introduction

We seem to be at a place in time now where almost everything is based on a past idea, with movies and the odd TV series getting a makeover for a new and willing audience. Games are no different, we've recently had re-workings of Space Invaders, Arkanoid and don't get me started on just how many variations of the 'falling blocks' concept have been given a quick coat of virtual paint. Pipe Mania first appeared around two decades ago but, given its simple and addictive gameplay, it's been remade on few occasions. Step in Empire and Razorworks with not only a visual makeover but also a 'story mode'. Intrigued? We are...

Gameplay

If you've been living under a rock for some years then the whole pipe-mania thing may have escaped your notice although it's been most recently resurrected for mobile phones. The aim is simple: Connect two areas (a source and a destination) using a variety of pipe sections before the timer runs out. If that sounds mind numbingly boring to you, hang on because as with all classic puzzlers while the core is simple enough it's the extras which make the game really worthwhile. In addition to getting from 'A to B' you'll be against a timer and have to construct your pipeline with a certain number of parts. Once you've got to grips with that you'll have to deal with obstacles and leaks (thanks to a bit of sabotage). The developers have also included the classic 'no frills' version and the 'Bonus' section contains a series of quick-thinking, fast action puzzles. It's a nice little package overall, although the absence of anything approaching a multi player is a huge oversight.

Controls

Everyone who played this on their Atari STs and Amigas will recall some rather complicated button moves to complete the puzzles but after trying the DS' stylus can you really imagine using anything else?

Graphics

As with all puzzle-based games it's all about clarity and although the game's been given a full makeover it's still simply better looking, more colorful pipes although the steam train section is rather nice. One part of the game that deserves a mention though is the wonderfully animated and impressive FMV intro laying out the plot. You are also treated to a pleasant, upbeat soundtrack but nothing that's really outstanding.

Sound

A pleasant, upbeat soundtrack but it's really nothing outstanding.

Dual screen

Given how we used to play games of this nature anything other than a touch-screen interface seems like hard work now so the gameplay here is all manipulated with the bottom screen. Another reason for this interface is the inclusion of the 'wildcard' piece (viewed as a pencil icon) that lets you draw your own section and then place it where it's most needed.

Final comments

In the end Pipe Mania succeeds for the same reasons it fails. While the puzzle framework is still as entertaining as ever you can still play something very similar without paying a penny on any number of gaming sites. That said, this 2008 edition with its visual makeover and 'plot' will no doubt appeal to younger gamers who, for some unknown reason, have never encountered it before. It's all still very enjoyable though, even without a Multiplayer, and well worth adding to your puzzle games collection.

Pro: Still the Same Classic Puzzler we all Remember.
Con: Still the Same Classic Puzzler we all Remember.
Final score: 7.1

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