Jan 2018
In the world of match-three games, where aspirations of greatness often spiral into an abyss of blandness, 'Azkend 2: The World Beneath' emerges like a compass in a treasure map, leading adventurers towards puzzlicious satisfaction. It's a tile-matching game that promises to whisk you away into a whimsical world crafted by the Finnish developers at 10tons Ltd, who have surely earned their stripes in the genre by now. So, what makes 'Azkend 2' a worthy contender amongst its brethren? Hold onto your hexagonal tiles, dear reader, as we dive in.
Picture this: you're Jules, an adventurer tossed into the stormy sea of match-three challenges. Your mission? Navigate an endless sequence of gorgeous, hexagonal tiles while connecting symbols that, trust me, won't help you much when explaining to your parents what you did today. The gameplay is pleasantly straightforward yet cleverly designed; with 60 levels to unravel, you'll find yourself whimsically chaining symbols, triggering combos, and unleashing power-ups that could make even Zeus do a happy dance. The simplicity of connecting three or more of the same symbols is undercut by the hexagonal twist, offering a refreshing take that leaves many old match-three tropes gasping for breath. And if you fancy untangling symbolism more than you fancy document signatures, you’ll relish the accompanying journal entries that narrate your adventurous misadventures.
'Azkend 2: The World Beneath' boasts vibrant graphics that are much like the average teenager’s wardrobe – a bold, eye-catching mix. The game's art style radiates a lush vibrancy, invoking imagery of faraway lands haunted by hexagonal tiles. The mesmerizing animations during gameplay are akin to watching a fireworks display made of gemstones, only without the risk of losing a finger. The UI is clean and straightforward, an oasis of organization amid the chaos of tile-matching frenzy. Whether you’re on the big screen or tucked in the cozy embrace of handheld mode, the visuals sing—no, perhaps they shout!—with a joyous exuberance that elevates the mundane button-mashing into a delightful visual feast. However, do bear in mind that we aren’t exactly exploring the latest in 4K graphics; it’s more like a beautifully painted fairytale – charming yet simple.
In a world saturated with match-three games, 'Azkend 2: The World Beneath' stands out like a unicorn in a flock of overused clichés. While it certainly hasn't reinvented the wheel, it has streamlined it, lightening the load with hexagonal brilliance and charming visuals that appeal to both casual players and dedicated match-three enthusiasts. Do keep an eye out for some layout frustrations and a layer of repetitiveness that could make you feel like you’ve been to Atlantis for too long. Ultimately, it’s a whimsical adventure that will match your cravings for tiles, puzzles, and a sprinkle of storytelling. So, grab your Joy-Cons, breathe in that digital air, and set sail on a journey through beautifully crafted puzzles. 'Azkend 2' might not make you the king of the match-three arena, but it allows you to have a great time, enjoy vicarious adventures, and possibly understand a little more about the mysteries of the universe—or at least about how not to drown in an ocean of polygons!
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