A good number of flash and online games have made their way to iOS and more so, the app store. Coign of Vantage ($0.99, App Store Link), the popular flash game which launched in 2008, is another example of one of these titles, finally gets imported to iOS.
Gameplay
Developed by bobblebrook, Coign Of Vantage is a perspective based puzzle game where you rotate the cloud of pixels until it forms an image. The image has to line up to one particular perspective. Once the image emerges and matches the photo on the right, you move on to the next set up pixels until you run out of time.
In Coign of Vantage, there are two different game modes. In the main game you start off with 45 seconds to make as many images as you can before time runs out. For each puzzle you complete, 10 seconds gets added to your time. The second mode, play ten on time, you have a minute and thirty seconds to produce a random 10 images before time runs out. As you get closer to making the image, in both modes you’re given a hint which are two black dots you have to line up to make the particular image.
In all there are 90 different pixilated images you can solve. There’s a gallery of all the images that you have already solved. The more images you solve in either mode, the harder the next image will be. Some images may appear multiple times. If they do, of course the puzzle will become easier to solve.
Coign of Vantage is a challenging, but peaceful game. It sort of reminds me of a pixilated version of Zen Bound because of the simple controls,and that the puzzles are, well…zen and relaxing, but also gives your brain workout at the same time. One thing I would like to have seen added is the ability to disable the hints. I think the hints might spoil the puzzles and make them seem easier to solve for some users.
Sound
The music in Coign of Vantage is classical, which you don’t see, or in this case, hear, in too many games, especially in iOS. This is the same music from the original flash game, which they just ported over. I think it blends really well with the game. The theme of the music is from Bach, so it’s basically a harmony which plays out the whole time you’re solving the puzzles.
For some who want a change of pace the music might get repetitive because it just loops. For a game such as Coign of Vantage though, I think the music fits well just because I feel more relaxed and can concentrate on the puzzles. Even by itself, Coign of Vantage, but with the addition of the music, it makes it so, even more.
Verdict
Overall, Coign of Vantage is a great game with a lot to offer. With two modes and 90 different puzzles to solve, there’s a lot of gameplay. I wouldn’t say there’s too much replay value in Coign of Vantage, besides if you want to beat your high score and solve the puzzles quicker.
Coign of Vantage is a universal game, which works well and looks good both on the iPhone and iPad. If you’re a fan of the flash version from a few years ago, you shouldn’t hesitate one bit to pick this up. If this is your first time playing, there’s a lite version if you want to try it out, but anyone who’s a fan of puzzle games would be hooked on Coign of Vantage the first time they play it.
Price: ($0.99, App Store Link)
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