PSP World

Pipe Mania PSP Review

We seem to be at a place in time now where almost everything is based on a past idea, with movies and the odd TV series getting a makeover for a new and willing audience. Games are no different, we've recently had re-workings of Space Invaders, Arkanoid and don't even get me started on just how many variations of the 'falling blocks' concept have been given a quick coat of virtual paint. Pipe Mania first appeared around two decades ago but, given its simple and addictive gameplay, it's been remade on few occasions. Now Empire and Razorworks have stepped in with not only a visual makeover but also a 'story mode'. Intrigued? We are too...

If you've been living under a rock for some years then the whole pipe-mania thing may have escaped your notice although it's been most recently resurrected for mobile phones. The aim is simple: Connect two areas (a source and a destination) using a variety of pipe sections before the timer runs out. If that sounds mind numbingly boring to you, hang on because as with all classic puzzlers while the core is simple enough it's the extras which make the game really worthwhile. In addition to getting from 'A to B' you'll be against a timer and have to construct your pipeline with a certain number of parts. Once you've got to grips with that you'll have to deal with obstacles and leaks (thanks to a bit of sabotage).

In order to make the package worth your while the developers have included a series of quick thinking, fast action puzzles not to mention a 'classic' version. There are even a handful of multiplayer modes, which allow you to battle it out (pipewise) with a friend. It's a nice little package overall but the basic concept is still available absolutely free from a number of sources.

As with all puzzle-based games it's all about clarity and although the game’s been given a full makeover it's still simply better looking, more colorful pipes although the steam train section is rather nice. One part of the game that deserves a mention though is the wonderfully animated and impressive FMV intro laying out the plot. You are also treated to a pleasant, upbeat soundtrack but nothing that’s really outstanding.

In the end Pipe Mania succeeds for all the same reasons it fails. While the puzzle framework is still as entertaining as ever you can still play something very similar without paying a penny on any number of gaming sites. That said, this 2008 edition with its visual makeover and 'plot' will no doubt appeal to younger gamers who, for some unknown reason, have never encountered it before. It's all still very enjoyable though and, even if free versions are available, it's well worth adding to your puzzle games collection.

Reviewed by: Andrew