The developers at Stolen Couch Games have captured that child-like kindergarten drawing time feeling with the one-button puzzle game Ichi, a mobile port of the downloadable version available for Windows and Mac systems. It is only the team's second commercial creation for the iTunes App Store, but they understand that quality is much better than quantity. If the simple visual style makes you think "oh, this game will be a piece of cake!", well, my friend, you'll think twice when level 'some-odd-number' comes around and you can't master it!
The idea is pretty simple: gather all of the yellow rings on the screen by manipulating on-screen objects to keep a ball bouncing in the right direction. Actions like rotating objects, making them disappear then reappear, and drawing lines to bounce off of are done by tapping or dragging the touch screen. The challenge that makes this puzzle game so engrossing is that you are graded on how many taps you use. Sure, you can feverishly tap with your greasy little fingers for a B or C rating, but with proper timing and finger restraint, you can ace levels with an A in fewer taps than you thought. This wonderful, little puzzle game is sure to keep children and adults alike distracted for many free moments to come.
Ichi does the casual puzzle genre right by making the game simple to pick up and play while incorporating enough levels to make the minimal purchase price worth the investment. The graph paper and crayon graphics along with the easy-going background music will keep you relaxed, much like your typical daydreaming sessions in class. Just as easy as doodling in your notebook, the accessible level editor will keep your device and mind busy after you complete the 72 included levels of the game. Not only that, but you can share your creations with anyone over Wi-Fi! A must have for a anyone who enjoys a quick puzzle with a sometimes devious solution!
Windows:
Download the demo (available via Desura)
Get the full version
Mac OS X:
Download the demo (available via Desura)
Get the full version
NOTE: This game was played and reviewed on an iPod Touch 3rd Generation. Game was available in the North American market at the time of publication, but may not be available in other territories. Please see individual app market pages for purchasing info.
Great review! thanks.
Update