GameFocus writes: "Regardless of your gaming level, we all fool around with casual games at one point. We play them for a number of different reasons: they are easy to learn yet difficult to master, we don't have to invest too much time into them and they are easy on the wallet. Montreal-based studio Gamerizon released a game called QuantZ for the PC and it hopes to appeal to both the hardcore and casual of gamers. This unique 3D-puzzle game is something that will take you only moments to learn, but will having you playing it longer than you initially thought."
Pros
+ Simple controls
+ Easy to Learn
+ Lots of waves and Worlds to complete
+ Nice visuals
+ Interesting music
+ Extremely affordable at under 20 dollars (currently on sale for $12,99)
Cons
- Awarding bonuses mid-stage ruins the flow
- Very easy at first…takes awhile before it becomes challenging
- While interesting, music won't appeal to everyone.
In celebration of Steam for Mac's launch, Valve has slashed prices on various titles compatible with both Windows and OS X. We've already mentioned a few of these deals in a post earlier this week, but to recap: Portal is free (no strings attached) until May 24, Torchlight is $9.99 (50% off), Steam Play Indie Pack is $19.99 (71% off), the Telltale Steam Play Pack is $29.99 (57% off), and Quantz is $3 (70% off).
Additionally, the digital distribution house has two PC-only titles, Tropico 3 and Shattered Horizon, marked down by 75% and 25%. The former runs $7.50 through the weekend and is a construction and management sim in which players stand as dictator of an island in the banana republic during the cold war. The latter, priced at $14.99, is a sci-fi multiplayer FPS with players engaging in space-based combat.
DIY: "What do you look for in your puzzle game? With the match-3 genre overcrowded as it is, those looking to create a title like Quantz certainly must keep this, along with a few other items, in mind.
The dilemma lies in bringing original components into the game while not disrupting the already tried-and-true addictive gameplay of the genre's best. While there's certainly more of a clear cut formula for success in the type, nowadays you need originality; something new to grab the audience's eye."
While GameCritics didn't warm up to Quantz, the reason has more to do with a personality clash between them than any fault of the game. It's unlike any puzzle game they've ever played-a huge accomplishment in a genre saturated with Tetris and Bejeweled clones. Although it was a little too different for them, they recommend it to anyone tired of the brick rain-jewel swap dynasty.
