This is the fourth game I have had the opportunity to review from HeroCraft (OK, fifth, but I had to take a pass on the Adult Themed Games Pack. Sorry guys, but we do try to maintain a semblance of being a family site). One of the things that has impressed me so much about these games (at least the non-adult themed ones) is their originality. Even games like Ball Rush Aqua or Happy Lines, which are each based upon familiar gameplay concepts, offer original features. Of course, this does not even take into account Stolen In 60 Seconds, the crime based thriller, which could be one of the most original strategy games available for Windows Mobile devices.

If you are looking for this originality to end, and for Herocraft to get back to thinking within the box, then you can just stop reading now. For those of you who prefer a truly fun and original game which is loosely based upon a traditional game concept, keep reading for a look at Herocraft’s latest offering, the puzzle and strategy game, Robo.

Installation and Registration: Installation is through the usual method. Download the file from Herocraft’s website and load it onto your device via ActiveSync. Once loaded, you can play a limited number of levels while you familiarize yourself with the game. Register to unlock all 76 thrilling puzzles.

The Story: The game has a relatively traditional backstory. Essentially, Robo is in love with Eny, who has been kidnapped by the evil Discharger and is being held in his underground fortress. Robo must rescue her from this prison, however, this task has been complicated by the lasers surrounding Discharger’s compound. Your job is to guide Robo through the laser-ridden maze and rescue Eny from Discharger before it is too late.

Overview and Gameplay: Each level consists of a self-contained maze. This maze could be the size of a single screen or, in the higher levels, can grow to a size which is much larger. The goal in each level is the same – guide Robo to the exit.

There are two ways to control Robo, you can use the stylus and touch screen to trace a path for him. I found it was much easier, however, to use the D-Pad to control him. Tap the action button, and Robo will freeze, allowing you to pan across the maze and check out the different areas. Tap it again and the screen will center on Robo, releasing him back to your control.

Of course, getting to the exit is not as easy as it sounds. In order to clear a path, you must move the laser beams out of your way. A variety of objects may be available in each level to assist you:

• Stones will block a laser. Stones can be pushed around the screen by Robo.
• Walls will also block a laser. Walls are stationary and may not be moved.
• Mirrors will reflect the laser beam at a right angle. The direction of the reflection is determined by the angle of the mirror, so make sure you pay careful attention to which mirror you grab.
• Bombs will destroy anything they touch. To detonate a bomb, simply place it in the path of a laser. When it explodes, anything in an adjacent space will also be destroyed.
• Lasers Cannons are your main enemy in the game, however, they can also be made to help you. A laser cannon fires a laser beam which will continue forever unless it is blocked by a stone or a wall. You can move laser cannons, and may even be able to position one on the screen so that it destroys another cannon. A laser cannon which is struck by a laser beam from another cannon will explode.

One thing I found, particularly in the more difficult levels, was that you will not be successful in this game by simply shoving objects around the board and hoping for the best. Often, the correct move will require you to position several objects together in order to achieve the desired result. I thoroughly enjoyed the level of planning this required.

The only feature I found lacking was an undo last move. Often, my lack of coordination would shine through, as I pushed a mirror one step too far, trapping it against the wall and rendering it completely unusable. The only way to correct such a mistake is to restart the level. It would be nice to add an undo button so that you could erase your last move and return to your previous position without restarting the entire level.

Difficulty Levels: There are four different worlds in Robo, each with an increasing level of difficulty:

• Tutorial
• Save Eny!
• A Nightmare
• Escape

Not only do the levels in each world increase in difficulty as you pass through the world, but also each world is generally going to be more difficult than the last. As such, I suggest you play them in order. With the exception of Tutorial, each world has between 20 and 25 levels, for a total of 76 levels (the Tutorial contains only five levels designed to quickly introduce you to the different elements of the game).

Graphics: The graphics in Robo are fantastic. They have a cartoonish quality, with a blend of realism and extremely smooth animation. But then, I have come to expect nothing less from Herocraft. As per their usual, the attention to detail is exquisite, with Robo even seeing his reflection in the mirrors and falling asleep and dreaming when you stop the action for more than a few seconds.

The graphics in this game really did not need to be extremely detailed in order for the game to be enjoyable. Puzzle games can have very simple graphics, because they are not critical to the success of the game. The fact that the graphics in Robo are so well drawn and detailed (with a variety of different locations) only adds to the enjoyment of the game.

Saving: I love a game that allows you to quickly stop playing and pick it up again later right where you left off. That is pretty much exactly what Robo does. Turn it off at any time, and you will pick up the next time at the beginning of that level by simply tapping Continue in the Main Menu. Tap New Game, however, and you may choose to start from any of the 76 different levels which you have already completed. Perfect!

Conclusion: If you like puzzle games… and deadly lasers, then this is a fantastic game for you. I loved the fact that once you reach the harder levels, you had to actually think about what you were doing and plan a few moves ahead. Simply sliding items around the screen would not work anymore. This is a fantastic puzzle game with exquisite graphics. So, come on, help Robo find his way through the lasers to rescue Eny, his one true love.

Vital Stats:

Name: Robo

Developer: HeroCraft

Operating System: Windows Mobile 6

Also Available: Windows Mobile 5, Windows Mobile 2003SE, Windows Mobile Smartphone, Palm OS, Symbian, and more.

Price: $12.85

Where to Buy: HeroCraft Product Page

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