Downstream Panic review

While the included puzzles will keep you busy for quite some time, we would have liked to see additional levels sprinkled in early on to ease the transition towards the tough stuff (or at least a better hint system). Additional annoyances come from the extremely precise tools and occasional physics issue, but fast-forward and quick restart buttons make it easy to learn from your mistakes (as well as those of the game).

Aside from the core adventure mode, you can play the stages individually (and obtain additional items) or take on a brutal survival challenge, but the lack of multiplayer modes or a level editor somewhat limit Downstream Panic!'s replay value. Still, these are thin slights against an otherwise engaging puzzler; one we hope doesn't fade from memory due to a light retail presence and serious lack of buzz. C'mon Xbox Live Arcade and/or PlayStation Network version!

Feb 21, 2008