Cypronia's take on the original rage quit toy, the Rubik's Cube, is now available on both the Wii U and 3DS eShop. Does this game differ a great deal from a physical Rubik's Cube? No, not really. Like with releases such as Epic Word Search Collection 2, it's down to personal preference whether you opt to have a physical, tangible object or go for the virtual approach.
This review focuses on the Wii U version, for details on the differences with the 3DS version, click here.
Rubik's Cube serves up the following options right off the bat - Play, Solver, Teacher and Achievements. Choosing 'Play' will allow you to choose from 2x2x2 and 3x3x3 sizes before proceeding to solve the cube. Solver allows you to take a photo of your physical Rubik's Cube and allow the Wii U to solve it for you, which is quite a nifty idea; this writer didn't have an original Rubik's Cube to check this feature against, but the principle is a good one. Teacher helps you to learn pretty much everything you need to about solving a Rubik's Cube via a manual or video.
Using the stylus on your Wii U GamePad you are able to rotate the pieces in order to complete the puzzle whilst the game records how many moves you have used and the time it takes you to complete it. There is also a back button which means you can reverse any moves you have made in error. The controls could use a little work as they are clunky at times, with the touch screen seemingly getting confused by the different sides on offer, resulting in pieces moving in ways you didn't intend. There is an online scoreboard, but no other form of internet functionality. The competitor in us wouldn't have minded a head to head-style battle against a friend to add some more variety.
The graphics in Rubik's Cube are fine, limited of course due to the nature of the game but nothing too bright or distracting. The music can get a little annoying after a while, but it's quite retro sounding which matches the theme. The tutorial video is also retro, though it's unclear if this is intentional or not, with a man talking you through the stages of completing a puzzle. The video is reminiscent of the training videos on your first day at a new job and can be a little cringeworthy; we prefer just reading the manual in this case. With all the help on offer Rubik's Cube can definitely not be accused of leading you in blindly.
Conclusion
Rubik's Cube does exactly what it says and does it relatively well, though lacks creativity in taking the core concept further. For the price it can be a good addition for those who love puzzles and prefer them virtually. Unfortunately for those who don't, there isn't much else to it.
Comments 14
A 5!!!! I can go out and buy a Rubix Cube for $.50 or pay $5 for a virtual Rubix Cube... Hmm... Which one should I get?
Cube Life with the recent update is very good. This is a decent virtual rubik's cube. I hope Cypronia is working on something more grand along the lines of Cube Life but something to call their own. There seems to be some talent and now with their expanded experience, I think they could give us a must have Nindie experience for Wii U/NX/3DS.
I like what Two Tribes did with the Rubik's cube games better in Rubik's Rush. I wish more developers tried spinning an idea a new way then just making an app that does solitaire or chess.
Honestly speaking, I think I might pick this up solely based off the fact that it's always awkward trying to fit an actual rubix cube in your jeans pocket. Awkward, but not impossible! With that said though, I agree with the review score!
At least there seems to be a decent level of polish to it,I noticed that in the Eshop trailer.
@Mega_Yarn_Poochy You might be able to get one that cheap, but it will be poor quality. If you want a decent one, it will put you back a little bit. The one that I use, the MoYu AoLong V2, costs $16 plus shipping. For me in the UK, the shipping was a bit, but I got it with a bundle which worked out better overall. I know of the really cheap cubes, and you basically get what you pay for. I've only known of 1 cube which is cheaper than this app, but still decent quality, and that's the YJ GuanLong. It's $4, and you only get that, so you're paying a dollar less for a physical one, but you're not getting the 2x2 with it.
@Yusefofbabylonia Just stick it in a jacket pocket. I usually keep 2 phones, a Galaxy S$ and an LG G5, a Vita, a New 3DS (standard not XL), a Casio FX-991ESPLUS calculator, and a MoYu AoLong V2 in one pocket. The other is then for my MoYu LingPo, Card wallet, keys, and my Casio FX-83GTPLUS calculator. I then have space to put my hands in and get anything I need out of there. I never use trousers for holding stuff.
Nothing digital could ever rival the perfection of the original revolutionary and brilliant monolith known as the Rubik's Cube.
@twadezelda3dsxl I have so many questions, but most importantly: are you getting your pockets from the same tailor Link does?
@bro2dragons Possibly.
Cubes!? Is this another minecraft rip-off?
I kid, I kid.
@Mega_Yarn_Poochy Original Rubik's Cube costs $10.
Regarding a virtual/digital game there is a special discount 50% OFF ($2.45) for all who purchased our previous game - Cube Life:Island Survival. The SALE ends in 5 days
@Yusefofbabylonia That is exactly one of the reasons, why we developed this game. The game will solve your real Rubiks Cube.
Also, there are useful tutorials to learn, which will help you to get to know your Rubiks Cube
Does this game allow for 4x4x4 and 5x5x5 solving? Rubick's World for Wii did...
Based on my experience solving a virtual 5x5x5 Rubick's Cube with a Wiimote in Rubick's World, it is a bit tedious and I much prefer the physical versions. I used to collect twistypuzzles and had the whole range of cubes from 2x2x2 up to order seven, as well as other puzzles with more exotic geometries. Vcubes manufactures the 6x6x6 and 7x7x7.
I also formulated my own method for solving cubes which does not rely on sophisticated algorithms. It is slower but due to a learning disability, I found it impossible to memorize the dozens of algorithms necessary. Of the various methods for solving the top layer, those that require memorizing the most sequences are the fastest. My method uses only two short four move sequences in various combinations, and takes considerably longer to solve, but no messy algorithms, and I can apply this universal method to Megaminx (dodecahedron) and other geometries.
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