Doodle Lab101 Review
PROS
- Deceptively simple physics puzzle gameplay.
- Complex particle interaction.
- More levels already scheduled for release.
CONS
- Odd difficulty curve; basic levels mixed with harder ones.
- Some concepts need to be learned through trial and error.
VERDICT
As a physics puzzler, Doodle Lab101 is fun and easy to learn, but some advanced concepts may elude players without more help.
- Full Review
- App Store Info
The 'doodle' in Doodle Lab101 is a bit of a misnomer (at least in App Store terms) and instead of a game that features grid-paper backgrounds with sketch-art sprites you actually get to doodle to solve its whacky physics-based puzzles.
It's easy to be overwhelmed by the help text for Doodle Lab101, but all of its concepts are slowly introduced over the 70 currently available levels to make sure you're not completely out of your depth. Your main goal is to deposit specific elements in to their particular jar, however each colored element reacts differently, either bouncing around or sinking quickly and should you mix certain particles together you'll end up with entirely different elements. In order to get the job done you'll need to draw barriers on the screen to filter or otherwise enclose areas to help to guide the particles on their way. An eraser and 'mixing' tool also help to clean up or nudge particles in the right direction.
The visuals aren't terribly complex, but this simplicity helps to make it easier to identify any potential problems with your drawings. It only takes a modicum of lateral thinking on most levels to complete a puzzle, however some levels can prove far more challenging as you try to exploit the differences in weight to 'filter' the particles you need.
Doodle Lab101 is a strangely addictive casual puzzler that may not take long to finish, but attempting to ace all your experiments will take much longer to complete and with 30 additional levels on the way you'll be set for hours. Definitely worth grabbing if you're after a quick casual challenge.
Screenshots
$0.99
