Honeycomb Beat (DS) Review
Posted by David Redkey on 06.22.2007
Hudson Soft unveils some portable puzzle action on your Nintendo DS.
“For the lips of a strange woman drop as a honeycomb, and her mouth is smoother than oil:
But her end is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a two-edged sword.
Her feet go down to death; her steps take hold on hell.”
Proverbs, 5. 3
Biblical verse aside, you’re about to go on a journey of my own creation. A review that can anger some and cause some to applaud. I don’t care either way. Puzzle games aren’t my forte. I tend to dwell in the area of Japanese Role Playing games and some Western RPGs as well (Marvel: Ultimate Alliance pops to mind).
So, sit back and get pretty comfy for this journey. You may want to add some honey to your tea if you wish. I’ll share my point of view and you can decide for yourself to praise me or crucify me. The choice is yours alone.
Graphics
Sparse is the only word that can describe these graphics. The top screen is used for screen savers. They show different designs and then there is the honeycomb itself. There is no way that this game can compete with any graphically superior game. This is a first generation SNES game…I would be hard pressed to recommend this game to anyone because of the graphics.
Gameplay
You have two versions. The evolution mode or the puzzle mode are your options. They can be vary in fun depending on how much time you are willing to invest.
Evolution mode starts with two columns worth of pieces. As time progresses, the columns move up and you have to figure out how to solve the puzzle as it advances. Each one is completely random. So, it takes quick thinking and understanding of the rules of the game. This game isn’t for most individuals. This game was designed for people that don't seek quick satisfaction from the games they play. If you have patience, the game can be very rewarding. All thrill seekers should avoid it at all costs.
The puzzle mode is set up with 100 different puzzles to solve. You have to defeat the puzzle in a preset number of moves. The trick is figuring out how many moves you can do it with. You may play certain puzzles over and over again to capture the goal (the number of moves).
The two modes allow for a fixed timeline for the game; as well as, endless replay for people that enjoy the game. This defines the true pick up and play aura that the game designers were seeking. Its perfect for a portable game if you only have a few minutes to play. A cut above the rest and only for a particular audience.
Sound
The music is varied but simple. Its more the storage device. If it was a CD or whatever, there wouldn’t be a problem. Also, if you hate techno music (or anything derived from that) stay clear. That’s just a heads up to all you.
I wound up turning off the sound on multiple occasions. I would get bored of hearing the same short, boring, hackneyed song over and over again. I think my ears bled on a couple occasions...
Last Appeal
This game has two options. The choices can satisfy two types of people. The first type would be people that enjoy puzzle games and the second type is anyone that likes to finish a game and brag about it. Depending on which group the owner belongs, they may play it over and over again or they may play it once and never touch it again. As a gift, the purchaser needs to know what type of group the individual falls under. If a person decides to buy it for themselves, they need to realize if they'll find enjoyment from this type of game.
Fun Factor
This is one of those games that you pick up and play. Its very simple and can be very addictive if you enjoy this type of game. I feel for the people that will pass this up because they don’t give this jewel a moment of their time. Its not Tetris by any means; but, it can satisfy anyone looking for enjoyment with their DS.
The 411
This game is could be far better or far worse. What we have here is an excellent game to waste time on and feel no regret. I would try to rent it if you can. That will allow you to get a feel for it and decide if its something you should pick up yourself.
Graphics
4.5
Pretty colors and simple graphics combine to make one of the ugliest games I've played on a portable system. Heck, Megaman 2 on the NES does a better job.
Gameplay
6.0
A simple puzzle game. Simple fun, simple puzzle, simple enjoyment.
Sound
5.0
One word: Simple. The Techno-inspired soundtrack is groan inducing.
Lasting Appeal
7.0
You have 100 different puzzles to play. There is an Evolution mode thrown in for good measure.
Fun Factor
7.5
Puzzle people will enjoy this. Anyone else... This is a game that you should try out before you decide to buy.
