Slydris Review
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Slydris Review

Our Review by Carter Dotson on July 26th, 2012
Rating: starstarstarhalfstarblankstar :: ELECTRIC SLIDE
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Slydris is a puzzle game that combines line-formation gameplay with touchscreen-friendly controls.

Developer: Radiangames
Price: $1.99
Version Reviewed: 1.0
Device Reviewed On: iPad 2

Graphics / Sound Rating: starstarstarhalfstarblankstar
Game Controls Rating: starstarstarstarblankstar
Gameplay Rating: starstarstarhalfstarblankstar
Replay Value Rating: starstarstarhalfstarblankstar

Overall Rating: starstarstarhalfstarblankstar

Slydris from Radiangames is a dual-stick shooter – hey wait a second, this isn’t a dual-stick shooter! There are no joysticks at all! What sort of tomfoolery is this?!

Yes, this is something else entirely. After iOS versions of games like Inferno+ and Ballistic SE, this is a puzzle game, where players must try to form lines from falling blocks. Before The Tetris Company calls their lawyers, Slydris is actually quite different. Players slide a block horizontally to try and create lines. Blocks come in widths of one, two, or three blocks, and every time a block is moved in Infinite mode, then new ones drop from the ceiling. When new blocks are obstructed from falling, then it’s game over. There’s also a Survival mode where multiple rows of blocks fall in every few seconds, and a Zen mode where failure is not an option! Well, that’s because it’s designed to be a stress-free mode where it’s impossible to lose.

The controls thankfully make it possible to easily move a block, and see where it needs to go back to in order to not make a move. The long-term strategy is about creating chain reactions and combos, because just eliminating one

line at a time is really just like using a bucket to scoop water out of a boat with a hole in it. The Infinite mode has that rare combination of being frenetic and intense, while being a game without any kind of external time pressure on the player.

It is difficult to tell what each of the special blocks is designed to do just based on a quick glimpse of what each one is. Suddenly there’s some block that’s just advancing upward and I have no clue where it is or what it’s doing. Some kind of better indicator besides what currently exists would be helpful. I am curious if the game would work well on the iPhone, as while it’s currently iPad-only, I have a feeling that it just might be able to. However, the game has iCloud enabled, so if it ever does go to the iPhone, then players will be in luck. If not, then that’s just awfully convenient for multiple iPad owners.

In a world where Tetris has become one giant IAP-fest, Slydris is an interesting touchscreen take on that obvious inspiration.

iPhone Screenshots

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iPad Screenshots

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