Temple Trap

(Click to Enlarge)

In an ever growing market filled with multi-level games, what ultimately distinguishes them between one another is their theme, and how well that theme is thought-out. We, like in early age, have our preferences when it comes to role-playing, and some games are better than others at interpreting our imagination. Does SmartGames and Raf Peeters' Temple Trap succeed at this? Keep reading and find out...

Temple Trap, like the name suggests, puts us in the role of an Indiana Jones-type character. The adventure consists of navigating a shifting maze full of perils and escape it without getting trapped. The game features eight sliding pieces that need to be constantly moved around, so your pawn can go from point A to point B without falling into the water filled with crocodiles. The first twelve challenges are easy enough to get you acquainted with the game and learn the ropes. As you progress, so the difficulty will increase as well. Can you manage to solve all 48 challenges and be a true hero of the jungle?

(Click to Enlarge) - Challenge 16 (Left: Start; Right: Solved)

As always, there are a few rules to keep in mind when you're attempting to solve a specific challenge. 

• The only allowed move for the pieces is to slide them from one spot to the other. You can't exchange two pieces at opposite sides, for example, or lift them. 
• Your pawn can only move within the path provided by the pieces. No jumping over the water.
• There are some pieces with holes and some without holes. Your pawn has to move from one spot with a hole to another with a hole as well. The pieces without holes represent a second level. To solve any challenge you need to go to the second level by using a piece with stairs. Always.

These are the basic rules, but there are other subtleties you need to be aware of. One of these subtleties is the symbols found at the edge of every piece. These allow you to quickly identify each piece as you set up a challenge, and to help you follow the solutions in case you need guidance in any tougher puzzle.

The difficulty of the game, as you'd expect peaks at the last few challenges, the Master level. I found these last ones quite difficult, although when you reach this level you'll be prepared for most of them with the experienced gained from previous levels. Nevertheless, and even though you have plenty of challenges to keep you occupied for a while, I would've liked a few more challenges. Maybe 60, or even 100. Unless the limitations of the puzzle prevent it to have more than the included 48.

(Click to Enlarge) - Challenge 44 (Left: Start; Right: Solved)

Closing Comments:

Whether you're a 7 or a 99 year old kid, the amount of fun you'll have with Temple Trap will be about the same, as the game will manage to awake the adventurer in you. If you're on the fence about this one, I believe there's 48 great reasons to give this one a try.

Availability: Temple Trap can be purchased at PuzzlesdeIngenio.com for about €15. You can also purchase other games from SmartGames.

Links:

SmartGames Official Website