Wind and Water Puzzle Battles Review

Nathan Krott, Associate Writer

Published February 27, 2010

Wind and Water: Puzzle Battles

Developed by Yuan Works

Platform: Dreamcast and GP2X

Amazon Price: $39.99

Wind and Water: Puzzle Battles was released on November 10, 2008 for the Dreamcast and GP2X. Knowing this, you can probably assume Yuan Works is an independent development team that appears to be behind the times. Well, you'd be close, but you'd also be wrong. The Yuan Works consists of two brothers. It was said in an interview during the release why they released it for the Dreamcast. They replied, "Why not?" My first-hand experience tells me exactly why they chose the platform they did. It was blatantly obvious the Dreamcast controller was designed just for this game and not the other way around.

Wind and Water has several game modes. The basic premise of the game is to rotate blocks to match diamond shapes. The cursor outlines four blocks at a time and the player rotates these either clockwise or counter-clockwise. If these diamonds share the same element, then they will disappear from the board, allotting the player "x" amount of points depending on various bonuses that can be given. There are five basic blocks or elements in the game. "Wood," "Fire," "Earth," "Metal," and "Water." Also, there are two special blocks called Wind and Void. Both of these special blocks have special powers when they are placed correctly with other blocks. To speed this whole process up though, Yuan Works decided to add a form of timer called the "Press," which hurries the player up to go as quick as possible. The "Press" is at the bottom of the board. It will start rising if the player doesn't get points fast enough. After playing a while, the game speed increases, causing the press to rise faster.

The story mode is definitely the stronger portion of the game. You get a point-to-point map where you'll bump into characters to interact with (two of which are based on the Yuan brothers themselves) and plenty of different mission-based stages to play. Completion of these missions opens more of the world to explore, there are more activities and more people. There is also a shop to buy items and great little mini games to be found. At some point, you can buy a car to transverse the world more quickly. The dialog between the characters is a great laugh with a great sense of humor. One particularly hysterical moment was coming across a little kid who was on his way to a RPG school, holding a giant, Final Fantasy VII like sword.

The game's story is based around Amy who has been appointed the task of teaching everyone how to play the game.

There is also an arcade mode and a very clever puzzle mode where you only get one or two moves to clear all the blocks.

I'll be the first to tell you though, this game has no mercy on you when it comes to a learning curve and can be very frustrating and difficult at times. But what's a puzzle game with no challenge, right? However, it is rather simple to get into, but once again, it gets sometimes repulsively difficult when you start to get deeper into it, especially when facing CPU opponents. The game requires very quick reflexes and the ability to move the blocks quickly and strategically. I actually finished the game and was proud to have enjoyed and hate the game at the same time. It is my top Dreamcast game and looks beautiful in all its glory. I would recommend it to anyone. I first originally played the game on a friend's GP2X and later when he bought the Dreamcast release. After I heard of this, I quickly ordered me up some awesome puzzle action and haven't looked back since. It may seem pricey but I sure enjoyed it and would pay the price multiple times over for others to enjoy as well.

Support Independent Developers and Puzzlers out there and get this game.