Puzzle games come in all shapes and sizes. Some are simple to complete while others will vex even the most astute gamers. Sometimes You has released the sequel to Energy Cycle, and Energy Cycle Edge definitely falls into the latter category.
In Energy Cycle Edge you must turn all of the energy balls in each puzzle to the same color. This is accomplished by clicking on them and cycling through the 3 different colors. When you change the color of one, you will also switch all the adjacent balls in a straight line. But since this is a sequel, they have upped the game. Puzzles can rotate 45, 90, or 180 degrees depending on the difficulty. There are even some that are completely three dimensional.
There are over 40 different puzzles that will test your spatial agility and memory. Even if you played the 1st game, there is still a pretty steep learning curve to try and overcome. Once you start to get the hang of it you are on to the next level which adds another level of difficulty. Odds are, at some point, you will end up getting frustrated and just keep clicking different orbs until you arrive at the solution. Luckily, you do not have to finish one puzzle to move onto the next. All 40 plus puzzles are unlocked from the start so you can bounce around if you want.
Graphics are colorful and interesting to watch. Each ball is a twisting vortex of electricity. As the levels increase, the designs appear to pulse from every side. The sound design crackles and make you feel like there is electricity flowing through the lines. Unfortunately, you will spend so much time struggling on the levels that the music becomes monotonous and you will end up blocking it out.
Energy Cycle Edge is out now and available on Nintendo Switch, Playstation 4, and Xbox One. It carries a price of just $4, and you will spend more time on it than you would drinking that Grande Americano. While not for everyone, this puzzle game will test your skills and patience as you try to complete every level.
