bit-tech Shopping: Sega Crush (PSP)

Rating: 8

Time with product: 10

Strengths: Unique 2d to 3d gameplay, good art style

Weaknesses: Unforgiving difficulty

Summary: This game provides more game-play innovation that 90% of the games on the market. It is similar to Paper Mario, but really extends the 2d to 3d gameplay much farther and in more unique way. The art style of Danny and his dream world and overall graphic polish look great on the PSP. The weakness of the game is is unforgiving difficulty, however that game does provide some tutorials, so with practice a novice gamer can play too. Overall a superb and unique game that provides unique MC Escher like game play, this is a must own game for the PSP.

Rating: 10

Time with product: 30

Strengths: Unique gameplay makes use of 3D/2D perspectives

Weaknesses: Really hard, be ready for a challenge

Summary: Crush is a puzzle game where, in each level, you try to get your character to an exit. Along the way, you can collect items. The execution is really cool, because in order to accomplish your goal, you have to change your perspective from 3D to 2D and back, similar to Paper Mario. In doing so, you will notice some path that you didn't notice in the other perspectives. The game gets really hard really fast, so you might be stuck on a level for a while. However this only adds to the sense of accomplishment you feel when you actually beat said level.

Rating: 8

Time with product: 3

Strengths: (1) An innovative puzzle game that offers a perfect challenge for those who are looking for one

Weaknesses: (1) The difficultly may turn off some

Summary: Crush is a cool little puzzle game in where the main gameplay mechanics involve crushing (very similar to the "flipping" in Super Paper Mario as many have mentioned) the environment from 3D to 2D - back and forth again. This is definitely a game that will appeal to the more hardcore thinking gamer. The game offers a challenge right away and does not let up for a second. That is where the enjoyment comes from for many, however, and I happen to like a game where I get stuck for a while until the "ah-ha" moment arrives. Crush also successfully ties in a well done and cohesive story and presents in it a compelling and interesting way. Overall, this is a surprising game that any seeker of cognitive challenges will enjoy.

Rating: 8

Time with product: 1 Months

Strengths: Can be very challenging, Unique and interesting game mechanics, "Crushing" between 2D and 3D

Weaknesses: Can be very challenging, with no way to ask for hints

Summary: It's a devastating crush to the ego when I can barely get past the first tutorial level. It's just downright cruel to be stuck on the second, and not be able to go further because I'm apparently not of sound mind enough to figure out how to think spatially to solve puzzles. Perhaps I'm just dumb. * I thought this game was going to be fun, but it turns out to be another one that might not be right for those who have short attention spans. Not exactly a pick up and play for short bursts type game.*Crush looks great visually, and has great atmospheric levels with trippy music/sound effects as you find yourself jumping between 2D and 3D collecting your marbles. * This game is going to take a lot of patience to work through. And at times it does feel like unnecessarily hard work, but Crush is still a rewarding experience.

Rating: 8

Time with product: 3

Strengths: Innovative gameplay

Weaknesses: High difficulty

Summary: Crush is a puzzler with a twist. It looks like a platformer at first glance as you move your character about collecting items but the goal is to manipulate the environment so that you can find and open the exit to the level. To accomplish that, you 'crush' the 3-d environment flat until it's 2-d. This allows you to access different areas by shifting back and forth between a 3-d and 2-d view. All in all, it's a large series of spatial puzzles, like an IQ test in game form.Crush is very entertaining and challenging, and it likely won't be long before you run into problems figuring out how to advance. It takes a while to get used to really thinking in spatial terms and even the best of us will get stuck at some point. Luckily, there are some videoed solutions posted on youtube (http://www.youtube.com/profile_videos?p=r&user=JlMMYs&page=2) which can help you out if you get stuck.I liked Crush a lot even though it often made my head hurt after a while. This is probably not a good game if you have a low frustration index but great if you like spatial puzzles.