Shift DX

Genre: Puzzle-Platformer

Players: 1

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Review:

The Shift series is a long-running series of Puzzle-Platformers releasing mostly as Flash games and on mobile devices, but more recently this generation branching out to consoles and handhelds. However, after 2012’s Shifting World on Nintendo 3DS was generally seen as disappointing, the series went on hold for five years until returning in 2017’s Shift DX on Nintendo 3DS.

Shift DX is far less ambitious than Shifting World was, sticking with the simple monochrome 2D pixel art visuals the series has traditionally used rather than the more impressive 3D visuals of Shifting World, with these simple visuals being backed by an equally simple but catchy synthesized soundtrack.

However, while it may lack the ambition of its predecessor, it is far more successful, with its single-screen levels being far easier to process, and making for some really good puzzle design. Where the former game required a map that didn’t display properly, this game uses no map at all because it doesn’t need one. It’s just you, a well-crafted screen of mind-teasing design where you need to run, jump, and screen-flip your way to the door, and that’s it. It makes for a pretty satisfying time, even if it’s nothing truly revolutionary. There’s also a nice level builder you can unlock here, for those who appreciate that sort of thing.

At $5, Shift DX is a solid choice for Puzzle fans, as it has some good Puzzle-Platformer gameplay that, while simple, is nevertheless effective. If you’re a fan of this genre who doesn’t mind simple retro-style visuals, this game is definitely worth checking out.

tl;dr – Shift DX drops the 3D visuals of the prior game in the Puzzle-Platformer series in favor of the Shift series’ usual 2D visuals, and this is a much better game as a result. This game’s single-room puzzles are great little mind-teasers, and the $5 price tag is very reasonable. Puzzle fans should definitely give this one a consideration.

Grade: B-

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