Tidalis as a fascinating, block style game that is like no other in its genre.  While many games with a block style can be compared to Bejeweled or Tetris, Tidalis uses addictive mechanics and mind teasing brainteasers to give block style games a strategic feel that is uncommon within this genre.  With over 20 different game styles, special blocks, and items, you can expect this game to be a treat not only for your eyes and ears, but a true delight for your mind.

Graphics: 10

Compared to many block style games, Tidalis’s graphics are complimentary to the game itself.  What makes the game unique with its background, however, is the beautifully drawn scenery of the levels that interacts with the level itself, providing waves that move in the background, falling leaves, and sometimes, even odd animals that will move about as you play.   

Music:  9

Unlike many puzzle games, Tidalis has music that can truly be described as beautiful.  It is rare that I find a puzzle game that truly uses the extent of the sound system on my computer..  One of the only flaws with the music that can be a bit distracting occurs in the tutorial, when the music cuts off between levels, giving a rather disturbing sound when this occurs.  Fortunately, this only happens during this one part of the game. 

 Game Play: 9

Having played quite a few puzzle games, I will admit that Tidalis has a bit of a learning curve and you will regret skipping the tutorial if you think this is like other games.  With the game’s unique system of creating streams with the arrows, you can find yourself quickly lost if you dive head first into the game.  Once the system is mastered, however, you will find nearly anyone able to play this great game.   

Options: 10

Players are going to find themselves overwhelmed with the variety of options in Tidalis, which I will happily say is a good thing.  Along with having a detailed tutorial, Tidalis has multiple game modes that I thoroughly enjoyed: Adventure Mode, Multiplayer mode, Brainteaser, and a custom hardcore mode that allows you to create your own levels.  Having played with nearly all of these modes, I found all of them work perfectly, leaving you with a game that can challenge not only yourself, but your family and friends.  Tidalis is also a great family game with 10 difficulty levels, allowing children of all ages to play this great puzzle game.

 Fun:  10

Most companies are known to create quite a bit of hype about their games, and I expected Arcen to be doing the same when they claimed this game was addictive.  After having played the game for nearly four hours, I will concede that it is truly addictive. While Tidalis may seem simple in theory, it is truly a complex game that keeps you on the edge of your seat with its different challenges.

Overall:  9.5

Having played a variety of games in different genres, I will say it has been awhile since I have found such a great PC puzzle game.  Seeing me testing this game for the review, my fiancé even gave this game a try, leading to us buying a second copy of the game for its multiplayer capability.  If you are looking for a great game that will be enjoyed by your entire family for some time, I recommend downloading Tidalis and giving it a try.  You will not regret it.