Inside Social Games

More often than not, the simplest games are always the most fun. Sure enough, we found a Facebook and iPhone app that fit that description justly. It’s a little puzzle game called The Plateau from iPhone, Mac, Android, and PC developer Spoonjuice. Having only been around for less than two weeks, the game hasn’t taken off yet, but as unique as this puzzler feels, it certainly has the potential to do so.

The objective of the game is simple. Player are presented with a space-scape type of screen, upon which there are varying numbers of orbs. Connecting each orb is a glowing line. In order to solve the puzzle, you have to drag the orbs around so that none of the lines interconnect; you “untangle” them, if you will. Each correct movement earns you points — not to mention the occasional blue orb that earns you extra points, but be quick because they don‘t remain for very long — and when the puzzle is solved you move on to a harder one.

Frankly, “harder” may be a bit of an understatement, because unless you are a very visual person, it can become very difficult. Of course, that is part of the fun, is it not? If it turns out to be too easy though, players can switch the game between two modes: Challenge or Arcade. Challenge is the more traditional mode where you can take your time to figure things out, while Arcade keeps the pressure on with a time limit that rests around 40 seconds or so (at least in the earlier stages). Furthermore, greater challenges are issued by the fact that you are connected and competing with other Facebook players and friends for high scores.

The presentation for Plateau is astounding as well. As simple as the game may be, it looks and sounds beautiful. The visuals add a refreshing space-age style to the game that ranges from vivid nebulas, shining supernovas, and the gapping maws of black holes. In fact, it turns out that the artwork was created by an Apple Design Award winner, Piotr Gajos. Furthermore, the ambient background music (composed by Sergei Starko) and sound effects fade well into the background, supporting the solving of puzzles rather than being distracting.

Suffice to say, this game is fantastic. It’s simple, it’s beautiful, it’s challenging, and above all, it’s fun. Whether you play it for the iPhone or Facebook, this game will not disappoint if you like puzzle games titles even a little, and comes highly recommended.