Aqualux is an amusing, mentally stimulating puzzle game that consists of over 100 slider puzzles.  In this “create a pipe” game, the player is given a multitude of challenges that change from level to level, throwing the player off guard as they try calculating the best method of placing pipes together as they race against the clock to receive virtual game trophies.  With Aqualux’s large virtual community, puzzle gamers will be busy for untold hours due to Aqualux’s biggest draw, its player created levels. 

Graphics: 9

For a pipe game, I was surprised by the quality of graphics throughout Aqualux.  Its cartoon style is very clean and simplistic, keeping players from being distracted by any extraneous graphical aspects as they race to fix with pipe with as few moves as possible.  I was very happy to see that backgrounds do change throughout the levels, keeping the game from feeling too predictable.  With its style, I could easily see Aqualux eventually moving to more 3D models to create even more interesting game play.

Sound: 10

When the developers state on their website that this game has “toe tappin’ music,” they mean it.  The music for Aqualux is very upbeat and catchy, keeping you relaxed as they play through the game.  Most players will probably also be amused by the sound effects that occur throughout the game.  One of the most interesting sounds, in this reviewer’s opinion, has to be when liquid first starts going through the pipes, since it sounds like a mix between running water and gulping.  When player eventually do complete a level, they can also expect to be rewarded with cheers in the background, adding to the game’s relaxing atmosphere.

Game Play: 9

Players can expect Aqualux to have rather basic controls.  Other than the shapes and availability of certain sizes of pipes, there are no other challenges within the levels.  Every so often, players will also have to deal with stationary and moving pipes, creating more of a brain tease as they try figuring out how to get certain pieces across the level with very few moves.  As I stated, however, the game controls are very simple, consisting of clicking pipes to either rotate or switch their position.  The game play is far from innovative, but works efficiently.

Options: 10

If there is one area that catches the player’s attention (outside the game play itself), it is the unique options available in Aqualux. When going through the typical options, players have many expected options such as sound and video controls, but they will more than likely be surprised when they see a colorblind mode.  Whether players are looking for a easy or challenging game, Aqualux offers three difficulty modes, relaxed (beginner), casual (intermediate), and hardcore mode.  If this is not enough, the game also offers a level of the day option, using player-created levels, which can fall within any of these three categories.

Fun: 10

If there is one thing that makes Aqualux unique from other puzzle games of its kind, it would have to be the online community.  As levels are being added daily, players can expect to never become bored with this game, there will always be new challenges to solve.  Adding trophies to the game is also very complimentary to Aqualux, keeping players interested in solving the puzzle in the most efficient way possible. 

Overall:  9

Even if Aqualux isn’t innovative with its graphics and game play, it is a wonderful, creative game where players of all ages can expect to be entertained for hours.  Aqualux’s atmosphere encourages players to stay optimistic as they think through each of the challenges, helping prevent frustration among more casual puzzle players.  For someone who is looking for an easy starter puzzle game or a daily challenge, I recommend Aqualux due to its flexibility, creativity, and its extensive database of player created levels. 

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