$20 Game of the Week: Chains (PC)

Chains, an independently developed puzzle game released on Steam by developer 2dEngine, is a perfect example of how a seemingly simple concept can become addictive and engaging if done right. The best way to describe Chains would be Columnus with a little physics attached to it. As in most puzzle games, you make matches of three or more to make them disappear. You do so by using your mouse to connect them. It’s the game’s levels that provide the real challenge. In one level, you may have to make a certain point total while another forces you to make a certain amount of chains before a hatch opens. As you beat one level, the next will unlock. Unfortunately, there is no ‘free mode’ where you can just play until you lose. You’re merely stuck playing through the levels. Even with this oversight, Chains sets itself apart from other games of it’s type, and on top of that, the game is only $5 on Steam. While it may not be the next Tetris or Lumines, it’s certainly offers something compelling and different for a good value. This would make an excellent downloadable DSi game (Hint Hint).