Jig-a-Pix Pets (Nintendo DS) - Review by Andrew

Introduction

Like the movie industry, games publishers are always on the look out for the next franchise; that magical title so loved by the general public that they will happily rush out to buy (or see) the next installment. Things like Harry Potter, Professor Layton and Rayman have been a gold mine for their license holders, especially because, in this economic 'down-turn', risk taking is not recommended. Zushi Games' Jig-a-Pix seems like the ideal solution then: cheap to produce with endless possibilities for content, not to mention one of the few titles that uses the DSi's camera. Simple, casual gaming for the masses then or a little too puzzling for its own good.

Gameplay

Every jigsaw seems to have a missing piece; like the odd sock phenomenon there always seems to be at least one piece preventing you from completing your masterpiece. Fortunately this will never happen with Jig-a-Pix, it is no problem at all to piece together loads of pet-themed images. In addition you can attack your puzzle solving in a number of different ways, Free Play allows you to select the image you wish to reconstruct from a handful of categories ranging from Horses and Ponies to Cats and Dogs. As well as the standard Jigsaws there are also Slide Puzzles and Spot the Difference although these are not unlocked until you make some headway in the Time Challenge section of the game. There's even a Multiplayer Mode although sadly despite the simplicity of the gameplay, each player will need a copy of the game to enjoy it.

Controls

Obviously this is mostly touch screen driven but you will need the shoulder buttons to swap screens in order to clear the game area of pieces when it gets too cluttered.

Graphics

The DS is more than capable of displaying high-resolution photographs and this lies at the core of all the Jig-A-Pix series. You are treated to screen after screen of cute household pets doing what they do best, the visual quality only takes a dive when you take your own picture because, due the camera's pixel count, these are grainy at best especially in low light.

Sound

Some rather generic piano based music plays throughout the game but don't expect anything special. We'd recommend turning the sound down altogether and putting your favorite CD on as an alternative.

Dual screen

You have to remember that most casual games are aimed at people who don't enjoy thumbing through hefty manuals so the gameplay is simply a case of selecting and dragging, with the pieces neatly clicking into place you've found the correct location for them. It's a jigsaw! What were you expecting?

Final comments

It would be easy to criticize Jig-a-Pix for being a 'one trick pony' and, to e honest, if jigsaws aren't your thing, then there's absolutely nothing here for you. To be fair though the game isn't trying to be anything else so if you are one of the growing casual gamers looking for a quick, gentle challenge then Jig-a-Pix is great and if you happen to be a pet lover it's even better, although you should be prepared to see just about every type of themed jigsaw in the coming months and if nothing else interests you, you can always take a picture of yourself.

Pro: Loads of Puzzles, Great Use of DSi's Camera
Con: Not Recommended for Gamers Looking for a Deep and Meaningful Challenge
Final score: 6.1

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