Surfacer+

Genre: Arcade / Puzzle

Players: 1

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Review:

Surfacer was first released on mobile devices in 2009. In 2011, an expanded version of the game (or possibly sequel?) was released on the DSiWare service, which was later grandfathered into the Nintendo 3DS eShop when the Nintendo 3DS released. This game combines Arcade and Puzzle game elements in a way that’s a little similar to the classic game Qix, but does things a bit differently.

This game is played on a single screen where a number of small “particles” are bouncing around. Players must use the touchscreen to place flowers on the field, holding the touch for longer to make the flower grow. However, while doing so they must avoid touching the particles, which will destroy the flower if you are still growing it. Players are given a limited number of flowers to fill the majority of the screen within a time limit.

While the game’s premise is extremely simple, it is strangely compelling, and there’s a major risk/reward component in trying to grow your flower as much as possible before being forced to drop it so it doesn’t get destroyed by an incoming particle. In addition, the game does a good job adding in other elements as you go, such as a combo system where players get bonus points for touching three similarly-sized flowers. There are also occasional opportunities to freeze the particles by responding to a quick simple prompt to either touch a bunch of points in order or blow on the microphone.

The visuals here are simple, even a bit bland, but work well enough for the game – you have a gray background, darker particles, and then the flowers themselves are designed to look like daisies. That’s pretty much it. The soundtrack is similarly minimalist, playing a catchy subdued electronica beat.

The biggest complaints I have about Surfacer+ are the lack of any sort of multiplayer and the lack of any game modes or significant options. In particular, it would be great if this game had some sort of variant that would work as an endless mode.

However, it’s hard to complain about a lack of content for a game that’s only $5. For that small a price tag, I would say that Surfacer is absolutely worth getting on Nintendo 3DS. It’s a delightfully compelling mix of Arcade and Puzzle elements that keeps you coming back for just one more round, and even though it could use more content and features, what’s here is fantastic.

tl;dr – Surfacer+ is a game that combines Arcade and Puzzle elements, having players place growing flowers while trying to avoid particles bouncing around the screen. It’s simple but surprisingly compelling, and its only major flaws are a lack of different game modes and no multiplayer. However, for a mere $5, those flaws are easily forgiven. If you have a Nintendo 3DS, this game is well worth getting.

Grade: B

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