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Software Review - Bumps - Focus Multimedia

We wouldn't usually review a straight game here, but this is a little bit different. It describes itself as a puzzle game, and one where the player has to make use of their understanding of physics to play - perhaps even getting a better idea of the physics of mechanics and gravitation along the way.

It's a simple, fun game involving placing spherical creatures on various ramps, wheels and bouncy bits. Once started it's down to gravity (and one or two strange power-ups that reverse gravity and change size) to send the creatures around the screen, collecting keys to release their trapped compatriots.

In some ways there are similarities to that classic game Lemmings - it's a matter of getting the initial setup right so it will then run to provide the effect you want.

I'm not entirely convinced how much science you will really learn - apart from anything else, it's very difficult to follow everything that's happening and take in the sequence in detail. But there's no doubt there's a lot of fun to be had here, and it certainly doesn't do any harm on the science front. There is a certain application of logic, thinking things through (if I do this, then that will follow, making this possible, and so on...)

My biggest concern about the game is a mismatch between styling and age appeal. The big, colourful graphics seems designed to particularly appeal to primary school players, but the logic required is probably beyond many of this age group. Teenagers might be reluctant to play. It would help a lot for younger players if there was a hint facility - you can't proceed to the next level (99 in all) until you have solved the current one, and this could result in a lot of frustration with no opportunity to get help.

This is a budget game that doesn't set out to be anything to sophisticated, and it certainly has the addiction factor - it's very easy to think 'I'll just do one more'. If you like a combination of logical puzzle and cunning mechanics, this could be for you.

Reviewed by Brian Clegg

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