By: Stephen Duetzmann, editor in chief
Developer: Whitaker Trebella
Release Date: July 2012
Reviewed on iOS (iPhone 4), available for iPad
Overall Review:
Pivvot is a bizarre mash-up of the puzzle and rhythm genre that the developers call a game of “strategic avoidance.” I hate to fall into the trope of saying that the “game play is difficult to describe,” but in this case it is true. Players are tasked with maneuvering a ball that is tethered to a line around various obstacles while traveling down a mazelike path. The game is much less about reflexes and more about figuring out what angle to take when approaching challenges.
I had a lot of difficulty “getting” this game at first. It doesn’t really give much explanation when you get started. Instead, you are left to pick it all up on your own. I never felt confused though.
The game moves at an unforgiving speed, which should have made the game intense and stressful when you consider the flashing lights and the techno music. Despite all that I found it to be a relaxing experience. In fact, I found it far more “zen” than some of the relaxation games that are marketed that way.
Family Gaming Assessment:
We’re talking abstract shapes, electronic music, and flashing colors here folks. There is nothing to be concerned about at all.
Playability Assessment:
The problem here lies in the games difficulty. His is not an easy game to play. Many children will struggle with it because of the games speed.
There is almost no reading involved in the game so children who had difficulty reading won’t need to shy away from the game at all.
Conclusion:
If you are looking for a minimalist puzzle game to help kill time, then this is a great choice. However, the $2.99 price tag is tough to justify unless you, or your kids, are big fans of the genre.
