Atomic is a mind bending little puzzle game, the first version of which was introduced by Thalion in the early nineties. This version is by Belgium programmer Philippe Lesire, who created his first version of the game in the middle nineties. This is a cleaned up version of the same that can run effectively in any Windows format.
The game of Atomic revolves around the atomic elements. When the game begins, the user sees a type of maze with many dead ends, narrow corridors and passage ways. Within the maze are colored orbs which are made to represent the particles that will combine to make a common molecule, such as water in the first puzzle. The goal of the game is to manipulate the atoms so that they line up in the provided pattern to create a specific molecule. It sounds easy, except for moving the atom is a bit tricky. Once the atom is in motion, it will not stop until it strikes a wall or another atom within the maze. It is not important in what area the molecule is built, but some spots…simply because of their shape, will not work to build a molecule.
Atomic features a total of thirty different puzzles. In each puzzle, the arena or maze is shaped differently, and in each puzzle, the gamer will be trying to fashion a different molecule. The first puzzle is fairly easy, as it only involves three atoms: two of hydrogen and one of oxygen to make water. The ensuing molecules are more and more difficult to build. They have more atoms in the mix, and feature harder and more complex arenas with which to work.
The game features several difficulty settings to help the user advance according to his own logic and skill. The ranges are practice, easy, medium and hard. The arenas do not change much based on the skill level selected, nor do the molecules the user has to create. The skill selection determines the amount of time the user gets to solve the puzzle. Practice is untamed, and the hard setting only gives the gamer thirty seconds to solve the puzzle. If the puzzle goes unsolved when time is up, the game is over.
For the most part, this is a nice little game that will certainly challenge the user. It will also do a bit of teaching about molecular structure and atom combinations. Although thirty puzzles seem like a small number, there will be plenty of frustration and difficulty to keep the user entertained. This game is addictive and fun, you need try it.
Written by:
~Shannon
