Obulis, a puzzle game from IonFX Studios and Meridian4, promises gamers a fun time as they attempt to solve various puzzles. Explore different locales as you attempt your way though the many levels the game has to offer. The most pertinent question is: does Obulis drag you into its gameplay or make you pull your hair out in frustration?

Gameplay

Obulis has gamers chart their course as they make their way through a variety of game worlds. There are over 150 levels that master require mastering, complete with several “overworld” maps through which gamers must make their way. To advance through the various paths that are available on each map, gamers must solve a variety of puzzles that breakdown to simply placing a colored ball into its correspondingly colored container.

Obulis can best be described as a puzzle game that involves correct processes. Differing from other games that follow this formula, Obulis takes it a step further and accounts for momentum. This adds difficulty and thought as players attempt to place the correct ball in their proper places.

The basic method of solving a puzzle in Obulis involves dropping the properly colored ball in it's corresponding container. This can be done through a variety of methods. Don’t expect just a basic game of pinball as you attempt to drop the ball in its proper place, instead, gamers are met with a wide variety of in-game devices that further complicate the puzzles.

Obulis places a lot of emphasis on timing. Whether you are on a simple puzzle or one of it's more difficult brethren, expect to find yourself attempting to properly time a shot from a crossbow, catapult or even a cannon. On top of properly timing the shot of one of these devices, you must also take into account the momentum of the objects as you release a chain to drop the ball. While all of this may sound very basic, you may find yourself very frustrated.

While the easier difficulty levels of Obulis can be solved without much difficulty, expect to lose sleep over the more expert puzzles. Even if you should get the proper order solved, timing and momentum will also play a large factor in solving a puzzle. This can be especially frustrating as you attempt to place multiple balls in a variety of containers throughout the playing area.

Graphics

The artwork in Obulis is a force to be reckoned with and can be appreciated by any avid puzzle gamer. Each stage is beautifully drawn and contains vivid colors across a variety of environments that will keep you captivated until the end. If only the same could be said about the lackluster game map, then IonFX Studios would have certainly set a new standard.

Sound

From the clink of the balls to the firing of a cannon, Obulis has provided crisp, clear sounds that will keep your ears busy as you attempt to solve each puzzle. While there could have been more variety in music, it is not very noticeable as you are concentrating on solving the puzzles.

PlasmaFactor

For some gamers, the high level of difficulty in Obulis can add another layer on top of an already interesting puzzle game. If you find yourself easily solving most puzzle games, then having to account for momentum will be sure to keep you going at a puzzle until the end. For other gamers, however, this added difficulty may be too harsh and could even lead them to skip some of the more difficult maps.

Conclusion

Obilus has combined a variety of elements that helps move you along through it's world. While entertaining and well thought out, some of the puzzles within Obulis will have novice strategists dropping their keyboard and resorting to other means of entertainment. Those that enjoy an additional challenge, however, will find the added element of physics to be a refreshing test. Overall, Obulis is an excellent puzzle game and will keep even the most advanced puzzle masters busy for quite some time.