Again there's nothing special here. I can't really describe the sound other than it's what you'd expect of a puzzle game. The sound effects are cartoon-like and there isn't a huge range of different (or interesting) sounds.

Frantix is easy to jump straight into and play. Graphically it's a 3D game which plays in a 2D space (i.e. the directions on the D Pad, you can't jump over boxes or crawl). Your task is to collect a certain number of crystals in a level and make it to the exit before time runs out. As you'd expect the early levels are simple, however as you progress you'll need to interact with the environment and think in order to finish the level. In some levels there are monsters which make things a little more difficult. Some of these monsters need to be avoided whilst others can be used to help you complete the level.
The environment itself offers a few challenges such as quicksand, lava and water whilst some levels require the pushing of blocks and crates in order to reach crystals. The levels are quite short and it can be very addictive. As the levels get more difficult you'll find yourself repeating levels, slowly going through trying to find out what does what in order to solve the challenge.

Considering there are only 4 directional movements in the game, it does not respond as sharply as you'd think. There are times when you try and turn around quickly and are unable to, or trying to turn 90 degrees quickly is not always successful. One such level involved being chased down a pathway and having to turn left to avoid being killed by whatever was chasing me. It took me several attempts to realise that I had to hit the left direction before I got to the turnoff, not when I got there. A lack of sharper controls does make some levels frustrating, particularly when you're being chased by something.

Frantix starts out easy enough and gets more difficult as the game progresses. The learning curve is quite good, there won't be any hair-ripping puzzles until they've had a chance to show you how certain environments work. Each level contains a tip, some more useful than others. By finishing a level and collecting the number of crystals in it, you'll have access to other levels in other 'worlds'. Thankfully in unlocking a level you'll usually unlock more than one level at a time, so getting stuck on one level means you'll be able to try another level.
Some of the levels will test your ability to think laterally in solving the puzzle at hand. Some levels are simply a matter of trying everything till something works.

There's nothing really special about Frantix which makes it stand out. It has 3 characters you can use however I can't see any differences in the characters except their appearances. There are tons of levels and playing one level can quickly lead to playing another and before long you'll have been playing for an hour. However if you're not interested in puzzle games you will not enjoy this. Even if you do like puzzle games I'm not sure how often you'll play this, especially once you've completed a level. One of the flaws I think occurs in puzzle games of this nature is that once you've finished a level, there's no real incentive to go back and do it again.

Frantix provides nothing new or innovative; it's a throwback to the old puzzle games which haven't been popular for several decades. The controls aren't as responsive as they should be and it all becomes too similar after a while. It is however quite addictive in short bursts and attempts to add some fun to puzzle games.
For me Frantix seems generic and nothing stands out about it which would make me want to pick it up and play it for hours. Still it's good for short trips on the bus or between ad breaks, however in terms of competing with other puzzle games such as Lumines and Mercury it finishes well behind the pack.

Graphics: Sound: Gameplay: Difficulty: Value: Score:

6.5/10 6/10 7/10 8/10 6/10 6.5/10