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You know those puzzles where you have a bunch of matchsticks arranged in a particular pattern,
then by simply moving one or more you can create something entirely different? Yeah,
Collapsticks isn't anything like that (sorry about the swerve), but it's still a puzzler
with fairly cut and dry solutions.
This last part is something to note given that the game uses a fairly realistic physics
engine to handle collisions. However, with the board being preset with all the pieces
in place, there's only a set amount of chaotic influence the player add to the puzzle.
And so on each stage your only duty is to remove a matchstick and cause the rest to
fall down in an attempt to bring the counter down to 0; anything beyond that can reward
you with more 'stars', but will require more tinkering and abstract thinking to accomplish.
It's such a simple concept, but one that's implemented carefully and in a variety of
stages, each bringing new puzzle elements to the table (in one particular area it actually
interferes with the falling matchsticks, making things extremely difficult). Of course you're
bound to eventually get stuck, so you can ask for help and matchsticks will be highlighted
to let you know how to solve the puzzle with a single star. It keeps the flow of the game
in-tact and you can always replay the stage for more stars with a different solution.
Collapsticks is a neat and simple puzzler that offers a tighter physics-based challenge
than most, making it a solid pick up if you like your solutions cut and dry.