I recently got hooked on a fun puzzle game called Atlantis Quest from Terminal Studio. That game was a new twist on a puzzle game that has been out there for a long time in the world of Net gaming. While keeping the objective untouched, they enhanced the gameplay and added some History lessons to give it a hint of quest-type game. It made finishing a level even more rewarding, as you got to watch yourself move across a map full of authentic places that you wouldn't otherwise notice in an ordinary day. Once again, Terminal Studio has dusted off a familiar game, beefed it up and added the edutainment garnishing as well. While not really strong in being a history lesson, you do get to see a map (again!) with genuine locations and a chance to see the hierarchy of ancient Egyptian civilization (you start as "slave" and work your way up as you progress)

There have been other versions of Brickshooter, but Brickshooter Egypt gives the grown-ups some more polished graphics and soothing music to enhance the play. The name comes from the action of the game: move blocks (bricks) from the surrounding borders to the center of he field-- where three or more like colors must connect so they can vanish and clear the area. Just as the ancient Egyptians dragged and pushed bricks to construct the Great Pyramids, you must shove them into strategic place and clear board after board to get through the levels. Instead of building, however, you are removing the blocks to progress in this game.

Aside from the cosmetics, it's not much different than the previous versions. The levels start simple with semi-tutorials, and evolve into a brain-testing addictive venture before too long. Just as you did in such classics as Tetris, you must sometimes make moves that are risky- in order to meet a more impacting goal in a few more moves. Plan well, and you'll get through the levels at a nice pace. The difficulty increases and your moves become more critical within a reasonable increment. I loathe games that go from baby steps to impossible in just a few short levels. This one allows you to learn to think ahead without insane pressure.

The graphics are sub par, but for the type of game, they're more than sufficient. The goal is solely in strategy and learning how to think ahead, so dazzling visuals aren't crucial. You can play full screen or smaller, but the results are the same either way.

The soundtrack picks up where Atlantis Quest left off. Soothing, mellow tunes that just play in the background and not much of a nuisance. There are event sounds as the blocks slide and make contact. There are rewarding "chimes" when things go your way. I opt to turn most of the sounds down and just focus on the board.

The game beneath the graphics is a strong challenge for the brain. Making it pretty and adding some music is just window dressing to help sell what's underneath. It is a hard game to describe, and takes some time to learn (well), but once you do make some ground, you find that you get addicted rather quickly. It won't have you seeing blocks in your sleep like Tetris did years ago, but you'll miss it when it is not within reach. I like simple concepts that can challenge your forward-thinking analytical ability. Such games, to many, are much more taxing on the brain than is a blood 'n guts FPS. This is not exactly the powerhouse engine of "Fritz" caliber, but good enough to give you a mental workout for a while. 

Gameplay: 6.5
For the life of a digital game, this is an oldie by now. It's had other versions and different looks in the near past, but a pseudo-classic has a long life. It's pretty easy to learn the basics, but knowing how to think ahead can't be taught. The game will give you blinking hints if you ponder too long, but that won't get you too far if you don't learn your own way through the levels. You have to make sacrifice moves that look insane at the time, but the payoff is very rewarding. Scoring a bonus for multiple "brick connecting" puts a smile on your face.  

Graphics: 6.0 
The goal is to clear the center area of all bricks. You don't need the latest video card for that. It's sheer strategy and problem solving. It could probably have been done on a 2 bit Atari 2600.

Sound: 5.0
The subtle tunes in the background are not bad-- they're just boring. The sound of heavy bricks being slid across a stone floor is equally snooze-worthy. As mentioned a zillion times in the review, already, the goal is gameplay-- not an Emmy for sound effects. Audio takes a back seat for the needs of this game. 

Difficulty: Easy
The game is easy to learn, though mastering it is up to the player. If you're a good problem solver with the ability to think several moves ahead (a la chess), this will not give you much of a problem. 

Concept: 5.5
This game has been done before-- almost exactly. This is a tricked-out version with some semi-education thrown in like extra candles on a cake that already had enough. Looks nice, but not required.   

Overall: 6.5
I have a weakness for brain games. Although this isn't exactly chess or legendary games of that kind, it's a nice and clever game that will give you a run for your cerebral money. The pace is good for a novice, and the deeper levels will really challenge most of us. It's almost a "niche" game. If you are good at solving "moving puzzles" that require you to think several moves ahead, you will adapt well to this. However, if you need more action and flashy graphics to keep your attention, you would be happier with a different challenge. This is along the lines of Tetris-- without the pressure of moving objects and speed-thinking. Nonetheless, even though you have more time, there's challenge and plenty of reward for completing levels. Heck-- it was worth the effort just to get out of "slave" mode! If you want an above-average puzzle game that allows for time to sip tea while you play, this will give you a rewarding experience. You may never make "Pharaoh", but just getting anywhere across the desert tundra is worth the effort.