Fortress (GBA) (Fortress (GBA))

Member Name: thole09

Product:	Fortress (GBA)
Date:	11/05/09 (7 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Gameplay

Disadvantages: Some learning curve

"Fortress" is a video game released for the Gameboy Advance console in 2001 by Majesco. It is a puzzle game similar to the popular "Tetris". In the United States, the game received a rating of "E" by the ESRB panel which deemed it suitable for all ages.

Fortress involves head-to-head competition between a player and a computerized enemy. Both feature assemblies of "Twerps", small fictional beings, who are at war with each other's respective kingdoms. The game is very similar to "Tetris" as geometric shapes will fall from the top of the screen and the player must guide these into an appropriate position. Creating complete line segments is not necessary in this title, but rather "building" specific designs is required to summon creatures which attack the opposing force and make it difficult to maintain and repair the castle. The player will also occasionally deploy turrets and cannons which fall similarly to the shapes and allow a steady rate of fire against the enemy if positioned on the player's castle. The game ends when one force is no long able to accommodate new bricks due to the destruction. The game does present some learning curve in its idea but can quickly be grasped after a few moments of play.

The graphics are presented from a side view which focus on the playing field. Being a puzzle title, the visuals are simple and do not boast overly detailed cinematics. What is presented is of a good standard and I was able to differentiate between the variety of weapons and bricks. The audio is similarly limited and only really showcases explosion effects accompanying cannon shots and digital voice snippets of an animal-like nature from the Twerps. The audio quality is good but can become repetitive.

Overall, Fortress is a game that would likely appeal to fans of the puzzle genre and may only see success in this marketplace. It is not something which I would widely recommend as suitable for all players.

Summary: Thumbs in the middle