Review: Konductra [Nintendo DS]

Konductra is one of the multitude of puzzle games for the Nintendo DS. Does it do anything to stand out in the crowd?

Graphics: 40/100

Konductra features a very simple design, with the game using the touchscreen for gameplay, and the upper screen for the score and information about the upcoming pieces. It is functional, but really not impressive. The graphics are extremely basic, with repetitive animations for clearing lines. It really doesn’t advance beyond this. One feature I liked very much was the high score list. Rather than being restricted to the classic 3 initials, or even a typed out name, you are given a box to write your name.

Sound: 76/100

I enjoyed the techno soundtrack of the game, but it can get repetitive quickly. The tutorial of the game has a spoken walkthrough, which should really be standard on every puzzle game (or any other game, for that matter), regardless of whether the platform is the DS.

Gameplay: 65/100

Gameplay is where puzzle games are best judged, and Konductra features a rather dull experience. You must place a 2-square block down on the board, and form lines from one edge to another. Once a line is placed, you must trace the path to clear the blocks. There are wildcard pieces which act as hubs to connect different colors, but the gameplay doesn’t stray much from this formula. There are high score modes and a vs mode, but if this simple gameplay mechanic doesn’t sound appealing to you, this might not be your game.

Replay: 50/100

It’s unfortunate to say this about a puzzle game, but I felt bored with Konductra extremely quickly. It doesn’t hold up well when compared against Tetris or a Bejeweled clone like Puzzle Quest. However, if you are hooked by this game, it offers a lot of replay value as you try to wrack up the highest scores. It does offer wifi play, but shockingly no single-cart multiplayer. If you want to play with a friend you both need a copy of the game. (Developer Ian Dunlop claimed that the single-cart gameplay was cut in favor of wifi.)

Konductra’s simple gameplay and dull graphics may appeal to some puzzle fans, but I think most people will just find it dull and boring after a few minutes.