GENRE
	Puzzle/Simulation
	DEVELOPER
	Two Tribes
	PUBLISHER
	The Game Factory
	NUMBER OF PLAYERS
	1-2
	WI-FI ENHANCED
	Yes
	DS COMPATIBLE
	No
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Nintendojo was provided a copy of this game for review by a third party, though that does not affect our recommendation. For every review, Nintendojo uses a standard scoring criteria.

When a company makes a licensed title, it usually either tries to take the licensed property and make a direct video game adaption, or it uses the style and artwork of the property it's adapting to take the property in new directions. In Rubik's Puzzle Galaxy: RUSH, developer Two Tribes tries to accomplish both of these strategies, and the end product manages to be solid on both sides.

Rubik's Puzzle Galaxy: RUSH takes the famous colored cube and crafts an intriguing puzzle game where players direct rolling colored cubes-- the same individual cubes a full Rubik's Cube comprises-- across variously shaped surfaces to specific destination points. Instead of being given direct control of the cubes themselves, players can place special tiles in a cube's path that will instruct the cube to do something when it crosses them. Some tiles change the direction the cube is rolling, others shift it to one adjacent square, others still affect the speed of any cubes that cross them. If two cubes collide while in motion, or if a cube falls off the edge of the play area, players have to go back to the drawing board and find a configuration of tiles that works. It's a simple design, but in execution it feels fun. While it can be frustrating to not have the tiles laid perfectly and having to restart some of the harder levels over and over again, the moment when players finally "get it" is fantastic and well worth the effort every time.

Speaking of levels, the RUSH mode of the game is broken down into three different areas, each containing 20 levels, plus a tutorial mode with 6 levels. Players will start with only the tutorial levels, but after completing all these basic levels they will unlock the beginner area. From that point on new levels are unlocked as players complete already unlocked levels. Initially players will have access to four levels, but for every three levels completed another four unlock. This is a fantastic way to keep players progressing because if there's the one level they can't beat, they are able to go to another one and come back later.

The other major mode in the game is a virtual Rubik's Cube. The game simulates the classic puzzle with three different options. Players can attempt to solve the classic puzzle in the fastest time and then see how they stack up with other puzzle-solvers from around the world using the built-in leaderboards. In classic mode players even have the ability to set what size cube they want, from 2x2 to 5x5. There's also a simon says-style mode where players are shown a specific combination and then tasked with changing a solved 3x3 cube to match it. For players who have never been able to solve the cube on their own, there is also a 3x3 cube tutorial that will show even the most novice of cube solvers tricks to help them solve the cube quickly and painlessly.

All three modes are fantastic additions and a welcome distraction from the core RUSH mode. Unfortunately the controls can occasionally be frustrating and finicky, but otherwise the classic cube mode is a welcome addition.

The visual presentation of all the modes is a stylish outer-space theme with a minimalistic visual presentation that is really appealing. The background graphics help players focus on the game board, and the visual approach is charming in the way that Nintendo's ArtStyle games are. The sound is a chilled down collection of retro-styled tunes that will help put players "in the zone" while working on the puzzles. It's a great use of a song, though it can tend to wear if the game is played too long in one sitting. Thankfully it is possible to turn off the music and the sound effects in the setting menu if they overstay their welcome.

Puzzle fans who decide to pick up Rubik's Puzzle Galaxy: RUSH will be pleasantly surprised by the depth they find. While the Rubik's Cube simulator may not be perfect, RUSH takes the Rubik's Cube license and crafts an intelligent and fun puzzle game that is definitely worth the $6 asking price, if only for the sheer amount of quality modes in the download. Here's hoping that the next game in the Rubik's Puzzle Galaxy series is just as much fun.

9.2/10