| As another reviewer deemed KLAX as the game that showed up on
every system at once. At that's so true. With exception of the
"next generation" systems, KLAX has shown up on
virtually every format. And why not? It's a great puzzle game. But
for some reason few gamers know anything about this gem. It simple
slipped by. So what is KLAX? Well it's part Tetris, part Connect
Four. The game field is a series of five conveyor belts. Rolling
down each beltway are colored tiles. And as they fall off the
beltways it's your job to catch them and then drop them into one
of five columns. The point? Well, you must line up at least three
tiles of the same color, either horizontally, vertically, or in a
diagonal configuration. When you do so, the tiles disappear and
you're awarded a "KLAX". To pass each level you'll have
to get a certain number of KLAX's. And some of the later levels
require only certain "kinds" of KLAX, like "Get 12
Diagonal KLAX". So what's to stop ya? Well like I said,
you've gotta catch those tiles *before* you can lay them down. If
you let them drop, you'll get a strike. Three strikes and game
over. Also, the five columns at your disposal can only hold a
certain number of tiles. When you run out of space...game over.
It's an intuitive game. And easy to pick up. But like any good
puzzle-based game, you keep coming back for the mental challenge.
GRAPHICS: KLAX ain't exactly a fireworks show. There was no
flash in the arcade version, and so a perfect translation was the
only acceptable result on the Lynx. Well...it's perfect. The tiles
are bright and distinctly colored. And slowdown rarely occurs,
even when the screen is FILLED with tiles. ****
SOUNDS: No real soundtrack to speak of. Just the KLAX opening
theme, which is also played at game's end. During the game there's
only the sound of the tiles flip-flopping towards you. Part of me
wishes there was at least some kind of background music, but in
the end I'm glad they left KLAX silent. It leaves you to focus
*totally* on the game itself. **1/2
CONTROL: Well the only thing you control is the
"hand" that catches and drops the tiles. So there's not
much to rate. The hand does control nicely though. You'll have no
problem zipping back and forth across the screen. ***3/4
OPTIONS: What?! Moving on...
REPLAY: This is what puzzle games are all about. KLAX can only
be called "addictive". It challenges you like Tetris
did. There's just something fundamental that keeps you coming
back. BUT, the ending to the game is *very* dissappointing. I
understand that the focus of KLAX is the game. I really do. But
the complete LACK of an ending is awful. I won't spoil it for you.
Who am I kinding...there's nothing to spoil! Let's just say, enjoy
the ride. Cuz the ending stinks. You've been warned.
Well...besides that little flaw, KLAX is great game. Fans of
Tetris will *love* this title. In addition the the great
brain-busting gameplay, KLAX is one of the few games to turn the
Lynx "on it's side". Meaning, to play KLAX, you've got
to flip the Lynx sideways. This was the only way KLAX would look
right. And once you adjust, you'll hardly notice. This game get's
a thumbs up.
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