Introduction

Somewhere along the way, puzzle games turned into an 'add sugar and hope for the best' experiment. In this spectacularly mediocre effort, 'Boost Beast' shines a spotlight on just why too much hope can be a bad idea. Ever wondered what a puzzle game where zombies are involved feels like? No? Too bad, you've been corralled into a quarrel with this one. Grab your Switch and dive into a color-drenched world where the primary objective seems to be causing brain-freezes rather than enlightening your intellect.

Gameplay

'Boost Beast' operates on a match-three cookie-cutter formula that feels surprisingly stale, like half-eaten bread that's been left out overnight. The mechanics are simple: match three or more tiles of the same color to fend off hordes of color-corralled zombies. Seems straightforward, right? Add in the obligatory mobile-game-style gimmickry, and you’ve got yourself a recipe for something that is perhaps one part engaging and two parts 'let's never speak of this again.' The game specializes in punishing you for bad luck, which is like being scolded for not being psychic when a blue tile you desperately need fails to materialize. It’s the kind of game that makes you want to scream, but the pitch for that scream is more fizzle than sizzle.

Graphics

Visually, 'Boost Beast' flirts with decent — not breathtaking, but 'sure, I guess I can tolerate this' levels of charm. The graphics feel as though they've dropped out of a decent-looking 2010 mobile title, which is good news if you want a nostalgia trip and less good if you're hoping for anything that resembles modern standards. The colors dance in front of you with enthusiasm that belies their content: tiles that slip and slide together in a colorful display while you're busy contemplating your life choices, wondering why you picked a game that makes you feel like you've bought a glorified matchstick set.

Conclusion

'Boost Beast' can be charming in short bursts, like a dog that occasionally does a trick instead of peeing on your shoe. You'll likely have moments of enjoyment, but those moments feel like fleeting whims rather than a genuine engagement with the game. With an aggregated score of 48 on Metacritic, it's safe to say that 'Boost Beast' is a gamble for puzzle enthusiasts; a wild card that might just leave you questioning your puzzle priorities. Is it worth your time? Only if you conveniently forget that puzzling games can be entertaining, and you're utterly devoid of better options. Otherwise, put this one back on the shelf next to your collection of overpriced coasters, and wait for something with a bit more punch to roll around. The verdict: this game is best enjoyed when it's not the only option on the menu.

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