Reader Reviews
Far Cry, Unreal Tournament 2004, xSokoban, gaming itself, and Final Fantasy XI all catch your attention as we catch up on the backlog. More submissions please!
xSokoban (Multi)
by Klaus Preisinger
Granted this is neither a movie license, nor would it make a particularly good movie. The X is not a sign for mutants or hipness and on top of it, it's the one millionth sequel of the same old game. So why bother? Because this game is the crack of puzzle games. Beyond all the despair and hate you will undoubtedly feel towards it, Sokoban always taunts you to come back and prove that your mind can be victorious. Then it will slam you back into the gutter of helplessness, grinning at you from beyond the screen, knowing that your addiction eventually is stronger than your resentment. To make it even worse, this version runs on all Java-enabled mobile phones, making it a big dent in your social life.
The initial objective seems laughably simple. From a top down view you push some crates onto designated fields; advance to the next level; repeat. The real trouble is that it can be pretty tricky since only pushing is allowed and the levels have a way of being arranged like mazes. Plus this game is far from being designed to be easy, so every unconsidered move has the tendency to lead you into a dead end. Having an infinite amount of attempts this shouldn't be a problem now, should it... But you'll really learn the level of frustration you can bear with this game. Level by level you will find out that the designers of this game might just be the most malevolent creatures in existence.
In order to compensate for that xSokoban comes totally free, a quick mail to HarleyZhang@hotmail.com and it is yours. You might also stumble across it on some sites which have free mobile phone games available but only Harley Zhang can provide you with a 1600(!)-level version that will ensure your lack of girlfriend for the next 50 years [I have other techniques for that one -Ed]. If you don't believe me, or for any reason are not the proud owner of a Java phone, then check out the Windows, Unix, etc. versions of this game here. In any case the rating of this game is a straight 10, minus the degree of your short temper on a scale from 1-10. Hot-blooded persons might crush their mobile phones in frustration, which is a fun killer after all. All you others who think that your mutant mental superpowers are a well-established fact: Try it.