Tringo (GBA) (Tringo (GBA))

Member Name: thole09

Product:	Tringo (GBA)
Date:	06/06/09 (9 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Accurate to SecondLife Game

Disadvantages: Simple gameplay

"Tringo" is a video game released for the Gameboy Advance console in 2006 by Liquid Games. It is a puzzle game based on a popular Internet game of the same name. In the United States, the game received a rating of "E" by the ESRB panel which deemed it suitable for all ages.

Tringo is a game which originated on the multi user chatroom application "Second Life". In it, as in the Gameboy Advance video game, players are presented a 5x5 square grid which is to be filled with an assortment of oddly shaped objects. The objects that the player will use is drawn in a sort of Bingo style lottery and can either be used or discarded at the penalty of seven points. The objective is to form solid squares of 2x2 or 3x3 by using the shapes. Upon formation of complete squares the player will be awarded with a set amount of points and the square will be cleared from play which frees available space into the grid. Gameplay rules change according to player preference but are all timed in either one, two or three minute bursts. The player competes solely against the clock with attempts of building the highest score. There is also a multiplayer option by use of an optional game link cable to add a second player for head-to-head competition.

The graphics are presented from a top down perspective which focuses on the puzzle in its entirety. I find the images to be very simple as such seems to be rampant in the puzzle genre. The puzzle pieces are large, brightly coloured and slide fluidly amongst the grid. The grid itself is also large and features ruled lines which are easy to see and allow simple placement of the pieces. The soundtrack features an assortment of more gentle musical compositions that follow the player throughout play.

Overall, Tringo is a very basic puzzle release which would likely only truly appeal to users of Second Life. I do not find it to be a particularly engaging experience and would be hesitant about recommending it on a wider basis.

Summary: Thumbs in the middle