Lights Out - pack-in, released September 1997 with game.com system.
Officially the first title released for the game.com system, since it's the pack-in, Lights Out is the game.com adaptation of Tiger's $20 handheld game. The playfield consists of a 6x6 grid of squares. Some are lit, some are not. There are several ways to play, but the object is the same - to put all the lit squares OUT.
The game is a little reminiscent of Conway's "Life" algorithm, in which adjacent units are affected by each other's condition. Here, pressing one of the grid squares will reverse the position (on/off) of the adjacent ones - either in a "+" or "x" pattern (depending on which option you choose at the beginning of the game). Finding a way to get them all turned off is the point of the game.
First off, I'll have to say that this is ONE ADDICTIVE GAME. My initial reaction was not so stellar, since I had to actually sit down and read the rules (something I am *not* prone to do if at all necessary). But once I did, I got the hang of the game and started playing. I was HOOKED. I played (the "+" version initially) for three hours straight, and only stopped because I had to get up early for work the next day. The fun part is actually getting stuck on a level... you can think about it, and mull it over - and try it several times until you nail it. Satisfaction! Really cool concept, really great game.
The levels start off very easy, almost as a tutorial on how to solve the puzzles. The first ones take three steps to complete (i.e. turn all the lights out), the next group take four steps, and so forth. The game is very forgiving, too - if you get stuck, just hit "start" and you're back at the beginning. A HELP option is there, too - use it to give you the first two steps toward solving the puzzle. Don't overuse it, though - the fun of this game is to solve the puzzles yourself.
There are plenty of options here. You can choose the "+" or "x" mode (which determines the adjacent blocks to switch on/off), set up random screens, play the "precomputed" screens (the default), allow only certain blocks to toggle on/off, etc. And, your progress is saved for EACH type of puzzle you choose! Way to go, Tiger - this one is fantastic. It'll keep me busy for a LONG time.
Now, I have to admit - I am a sucker for puzzle games. People who do not like puzzle games may not be too pleased with it, but should at least give it a solid try. After all, it is the pack-in and if you buy a game.com -- you're getting it regardless.
The high score that is saved by the game.com system is the highest level obtained on ANY of the options... so, if for example you're on level 45 on the "+" precomp puzzles and level 37 on the "x" precomp puzzles, the high score shown will be the 45.
Graphics and sound - well, not too much sound is necessary although a nice "pop" sound is heard every time you click on a box. Also, the graphics are pretty simple, since they consist of essentially a grid of 36 squares and some options at the right of the screen (available at all times during the game).
Here's the bottom line. If you like puzzle games, you *should* LOVE this one. It's addictive, full of options, and is a lot of fun. It's one of those games that'll have you thinking about it when you're not playing... any time you see tile patterns on a floor or wall someplace, you'll automatically start trying to figure out how to get them all the same color. THAT is the kind of game "Lights Out" is.
Rating:
Scale:
1: POOR
5: GREAT!!!
Graphics: 3.0
Sound: 3.0
Gameplay: 4.5
Repeatability: 4.5
Value (n/a) n/a (since it's a pack-in)
Overall: 3.75
If you like puzzle games, this is a GREAT pack-in and will keep you occupied for quite a while.