Pipe Mania has players simply completing a gap in a pipe between an entrance and an exit by placing pipe pieces on the board, thus directing the flooze and avoiding spillage. There are a few variations on this basic premise, which has remained intact from the PC original.
Players are given a block of time before the flooze starts flowing to build the piping structure. Initially, the time proves more than adequate to place the required number of pipe pieces to finish the structure, but as you progress through the game the allotted time will seem far too short to complete the massive structure required. Like other grid games, such as Tetris, the piece provider is random; thus every time a level is played, a new strategy must be built.
Unlike many other puzzle games which reward the most efficient, shortest path to a solution, Pipe Mania encourages players to build the most extravagant pipe flow and take advantage of every open grid on the board. More pieces ultimately equal a higher score, which in turn means a higher ranking (Bronze, Silver, and Gold). However, players must also learn to manage point loss in order to maximize score. Point loss is inevitable in every level of the game. Players will not be able to use every piece and must destroy unused pieces by placing a new piece on top of the old one, at a point cost of course. Any pipe pieces left on the grid without flooze flowing through it will cost players far more than simply destroying the pieces.
Players are presented with the original quest from the PC version as well as a new one, along with some other simple puzzles that involve completing a structure as quickly as possible to achieve the highest score. The basic mechanics of the game prove to be interesting and fun, with the ranking structure really working in the game's favor. Completing a level is never enough for the hardcore puzzler. With a ranking system, replaying each level is encouraged to achieve the highest score and ranking possible.
Both the music and graphical presentation of Pipe Mania are basic, complementing the overall simple style of the game. Each world provides players with a new musical track and look, but both vary only slightly from the preceding level.
Pipe Mania is a great pick-up-and-play title that anyone can enjoy, especially with the smooth touch screen implementation the DS version brings to the table. The game is best enjoyed in short bursts due to its very basic gameplay, making it perfect for work commutes or breaks throughout the day.
Pros:
Lastability: 8.0
Essentially, Pipe Mania will last as long as you want it to. With a couple of puzzle modes, a couple of quests, and the ability to earn medals/high scores, there is plenty to do. It will last for quite a while if you play the game in the intended fashion.
Final: 7.0
Pipe Mania was made for quick session gaming. If players intend on experiencing the game in that manner, there is plenty to enjoy and appreciate. Puzzle fans who have never experienced the series before should not hesitate to purchase, but those who have had their fill of the PC original will likely want to avoid this latest installment as little has changed.
