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Astraware is well known for its quality graphics in its addictive and fun games. I was recently provided the wonderful opportunity to play try out their newest addition, Glyph. And certainly, it did not disappoint.

This game first presents itself with a background story of the game. Feel yourself transported into a different world with the very mystical background music and the hypnotic voice of the narrator. Not to be outdone, the special visual and sound effects greatly enhance the experience of this out of the world game.

Glyph is based on the original popular PC game by Sandlot Games and as usual, Astraware does a great job at bringing it to the smaller screen. The graphics is as usual, amazing. The game play is very similar to other adventure puzzle games like Bejeweled and Bejeweled2. But don’t be fooled into thinking that it is just like Bejeweled and Bejeweled2 because there’s more to this game than just clearing the stones.

Video of Astraware’s Glyph

Video of Astraware’s Glyph at Vimeo

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Alternative link: YouTube

The object of the game is to clear connected groups of similar gemstones to reveal the ancient glyphs hidden underneath. By that it means, all similar colored gems that are adjacent to each other either vertically or horizontally can be cleared all at once. So, unlike Bejeweled, you can clear a whole clump of gems and not just a vertical or horizontal line. The only stipulation is that at least a group of 3 similar gems can be cleared.

Once enough gems are cleared off the screen, revealing the otherwise hidden glyph underneath, you will advance to the next stage or level. Collect and reassemble these glyphs through the various stages to save the dying world of Kuros. As you go through the original stages and levels, something new will be introduced to add some challenge to the game such as rocks that can’t be cleared, power up capabilities, bonus levels and stages, etc. This obviously adds to the appeal of the game as you continue on the many levels and journey of collecting the glyphs.

Again, much like in most other Astraware games, the background effects and the music (although I tend to like to lower it a bit so that I can concentrate on playing without being distracted since it is quite mesmerizing) really enhance the game play and enjoyment. I found myself getting quite absorbed in clearing the gemstones and looking forward to the next stage or level so obviously the game has succeeded in keeping me addicted.

There are two modes of play: Action and Quest.

Action is what it sounds like. You are playing for the action and simply clearing the gems off the screen based on a specific number of “lines” you need to clear and with a time limit. As time goes on, a new line of gems will either fall down or appear and when the gems reach to the top of the screen, it’s obviously game over, very much like many other similar puzzle games.

Quest is the more interesting one for those who wish to play an adventure type game where you go through individual stages or levels (there’s 250 levels over 5 different elemental worlds: 125 in Quest and over 100 in Action) and meet new restrictions or game play. The adventure idea is quite absorbing and I’m mesmerized by the mixture of graphics, narration and storyline, music and backgrounds. Needless to say, I really enjoy this mode.

Here’s more information (from Astraware’s website):

Save the dying world of Kuros by reassembling ancient glyphs

This product is not compatible with the Zire 21, Zire 31, Z22, Treo 600, Qool QDA 700, PiTech W300 or any Palm OS® handheld without at least a 320×320 screen.

Overall, this is another winner by Astraware. The combination of music, backgrounds, graphics, storyline not to mention ingenious design makes this another addictive and mesmerizing addition to an already stellar list of hits that Astraware has consistently put out. If you haven’t tried it, you are missing out on an amazing game. Download a copy of Glyph and find out for yourself.

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