Post by: Spak-Spang on April 25, 2005, 10:13:16 AM
Since you can create your own puzzles and upload them online using codes we should use this thread as a sort of community for Polarium players.
I am pleasantly surprised by this game and I really think its a blast to play. The puzzles are challenging (I have solved 45 of them) and the challenge mode is a fun twist on the game. It makes you think fast, and react. It is definately a thinking man's action puzzler, because if you make the wrong move then its game over man.
So what do you guys think of the game? Have you made any custom puzzles yet?
Post by: Bill Aurion on April 25, 2005, 10:51:32 AM
Post by: Rhoq on April 25, 2005, 10:58:35 AM
I've tried the flash game over at Nintendo's and I rather enjoyed it, but I'm actually a bit torn about making the purchase since everything I read about the challenge has all pretty much said the same thing: It feels rushed and it's nearly impossible to go past 50 lines due to the increased difficulty (speed) when you reach that point.
I went to the GameStop near my office earlier this afternoon during lunch. They told me that they had only received 3 copies of Polarium which all sold within minutes of arriving at the store.
On a side note, I pre-ordered Pac-Pix, which is one the titles I've been highly anticipating since E3 last year. Advance Wars and Nintendogs will fulfill my DS interests (ok, ok and Mario Kart and New Super Mario Bros and Metroid and and...)
The sad thing is, I noticed they had an abundant supply of used DS units in the glass display case. I assume a lot of people traded them in for credit towards a PSP. The guy in line before me bought a used PSP for $199. That's slightly more palatable than $249 IMHO. Maybe one day.
Like the DS, the PSP needs a killer, must-have app. I bought the DS in anticipation of the great things that are to come. The PSP needs to impress me before I bite. Nintendo has already impressed me with the DS, on the hardware side of things. I'm waiting for them to impress me on the software side now. While I'm impressed with the PSP hardware, they need to offer something truly special software-wise to justify the price
Post by: Spak-Spang on April 25, 2005, 11:24:31 AM
The challenge mode is quite different and better than IGN and the other sites make it out to be.
I haven't been able to clear 100 lines yet, because it is that difficult. But from what I can see is that with each 100 lines you clear different sets of tiles come down. So there is more variety than you think.
Also, If there was too many types of blocks, or randomly designed blocks it would literally be impossible to play. It is already difficult with you having to clear predesigned blocks...that have a solution.
The real trick is when you start combining those predefined blocks together to eliminate larger line portitions is when it gets hard. You are then having to look at the lines differently.
The challenge mode is difficult, but it isn't as insanely hard as people represent it. It just takes you awhile to program your brain how to play those levels. I have cleared 88 lines and lost because I stopped focusing on the game.
It really is a great game. The only thing lacking is the music...which can be turned down.
Post by: Rhoq on April 25, 2005, 11:35:11 AM
Post by: Spak-Spang on April 25, 2005, 11:43:37 AM
Presentation is clear and creative,
Sound is lacking alot,
Customization is pretty cool. Design your own levels is awesome...but I haven't started yet.
Challenge Mode...it may be weaker than the puzzle levels, but I enjoy it alot. The Challenge mode was what helped me to finally get the mind set to solve the puzzles.
The game really gets into your head, much like Tetris and you must learn the logic within the game, to solve the levels.
Post by: Stimutacs Addict on April 25, 2005, 02:59:11 PM
Post by: KnowsNothing on April 25, 2005, 03:03:34 PM
Post by: MaleficentOgre on April 25, 2005, 08:13:34 PM
Post by: Spak-Spang on April 26, 2005, 05:07:10 AM
I will post a puzzle when I make one...but it will be some time.
Post by: ABlueflameA on April 27, 2005, 09:06:33 AM
Challenge is seriously tough.
The stock puzzles are weird for me though, either I get them in just a few seconds or it takes me like an hour. I dont quite know why that is. I really like the game though. I bought it and promised that I'd save most of it for my plane flight to LA in May (To E3!!) but alas, that hasn't worked out so well.
I'd probably give this game's single player mode a 7.5 out of 10, I'm still waiting for one of my other friends to go buy it, its just a matter of time before I get to experience the multiplayer aspect.
Tetris, you suck next to polarium.
-Blueflame
Post by: KDR_11k on April 27, 2005, 09:25:24 AM
Post by: Spak-Spang on April 27, 2005, 09:27:12 AM
Also did you find completing the Puzzles helped you with the Challenge mode or vice vera?
People have commented that the puzzle mode doesn't have much replay value, but from what I have noticed solving the puzzles is very organic. You just look at the puzzles try some stuff and eventually it pops out at you. However, you really don't memorize it. If you put the game down or move on to harder puzzles, going back you can replay puzzles over and over.
I can't wait for a sequel. I would love to add changing other colors and multiple line puzzles into the mix.
Post by: ABlueflameA on April 27, 2005, 09:16:38 PM
One thing that I found that really helps is that sometimes it looks to be a white puzzle on a black background and other times a black puzzle on a white background. Changing the way you look at it by clicking menu and reselecting the same puzzle can sometimes let you see the solution easier.
I think I found that the puzzle mode can help you warm up for the challenge mode. The puzzle mode really helps you mentally. If you go into challenge mode dead set on changing all black tiles to white, you will die quickly. You have to be able to quickly look at the blocks and find the most economical line to draw.
Also, when the pink layer of blocks hits the bottom (signifying a new difficulty) it clears the screen. So keep those block a hair away from hitting bottom and play on above them to build up your score. When you're about to die, trigger that last block to allow the pink ones to hit the bottom and thus clearing your screen.
Good luck to you all,
if anyone needs help on a puzzle I'll do my best. FAQ's are available for it on gamefaqs.com already but if you want a hint rather than a solution, feel free to ask.
Also, hints are available in game, either small box next to the word "Hint" in the puzzle menu enables in game hints. If you sit there long enough, it will show you start and stop points if you selected the right hint box, or what route you took last time you tried to solve the puzzle if you selected the left box. These hints are only shown on the top screen.
Good luck,
Blueflame
Post by: thepoga on April 27, 2005, 10:01:40 PM
Post by: Spak-Spang on April 28, 2005, 04:59:34 AM
I have noticed I have solved most of the puzzles an alternative way then they mention with the hints.
My wife has started to design puzzles. One she made was a pretty nifty little puzzle. Simple solution, but still fun. I will have to figure out how to grab the code and put it on the web.
Post by: Bartman3010 on April 30, 2005, 03:28:41 AM
Thats pretty much the difficulty I've had, the entire playfield doesnt have to be one color either.
Most of my time was spent on challenge mode, I've spent maybe an hour in Puzzle mode, with 3 hours on challenge. God, I love this gameI've spent way too many hours on it, more than I should, more than I have on any video game lately.
My Challange High Score
Rank - D-
Score - 170850
Total Lines - 231
Post by: Spak-Spang on April 30, 2005, 08:18:02 AM
Here is a Password on a Puzzle I created.
It is supposed to look like an Abstract Snake.
SNAKE:
4-3-6-2-5-5-9-3-3-2
5-3-3-3-7-3-0-6-0-3
4-2-9-1-9-9-6-4-7-0
I have never used the Password feature, so hopefully this works. Let me know if it does.
Thanks.
Post by: Renny on April 30, 2005, 10:55:43 AM
Post by: Spak-Spang on April 30, 2005, 06:24:05 PM
Thanks for the feedback.
Did it kinda look like a snake?
Oh, I had to add that one white square to the right of the puzzle so that I could complete it. I spent 30 minutes trying to solve the puzzle the other way with no luck.
Post by: Spak-Spang on May 01, 2005, 09:26:54 AM
The next level came to as an idea to represent rainfall. It took several different takes on the level before I created on that worked.
This level looks more like snowfalling than rain, but oh well.
RAINFALL:
5-3-1-2-2-6-4-5-9-3
0-5-5-2-0-6-4-6-8-2
0-9-3-4-2-1-4-7-4-2
This next puzzle is a simple abstract flower. I am not as pleased with the overall design of this level as I am my other two...but still here it is for your enjoyment.
Flower:
7-2-6-3-7-4-7-5-7-2
6-1-3-5-9-0-6-5-7-2
3-8-6-3-0-8-6-3-7-1
Finally one last bonus puzzle. This puzzle my wife made for me and it inspired me to try and create more puzzles. Its not too difficult, but I liked the simplicity of it and overall design.
7-8-7-3-7-3-5-2-9-2
7-6-4-2-3-4-0-4-7-2
5-5-1-7-3-7-2-3-1-1
Post by: ABlueflameA on May 01, 2005, 11:19:14 AM
I've gotten a few more D-'s in challenge mode, but nothing better so far. I always die around the 230 line mark for some weird/unknown reason. I still really like the game though. Makes you think "out of the box".
How's everyone else doing on it?
-Blueflame
Post by: Spak-Spang on May 01, 2005, 01:59:18 PM
Post by: KnowsNothing on May 01, 2005, 02:17:26 PM
By the way, there were a couple of puzzles I posted in my gurnal review I linked to a while back, but since I made them early on they're pretty easy. I entered all the passwords posted here so far, but I'll have to try them later...
Post by: Renny on May 01, 2005, 02:49:34 PM
1360767140
8093646060
7627000224
I did like the snake, by the way. Certainly "abstract." :¬þ I'll have to try your next three. As for my game progress, I've played puzzle almost exclusively since I got it way back in January. I played it a lot for a month, then pretty much let it go till recently. I have four left in the 80s.
Post by: Spak-Spang on May 01, 2005, 05:15:14 PM
Post by: ABlueflameA on May 01, 2005, 07:11:20 PM
link: http://www.polarium-puzzles.com/
I haven't input any puzzles myself just yet, but it could be a fun diversion if you get stuck in some of the stock puzzles, or it could extend the life of the game after you get done all 100 puzzles. Personally, I still want to find someone else who has it so I can play a decent versus game. Anyone live in Orlando? :-)
-Blueflame
Post by: blackfootsteps on May 01, 2005, 09:55:22 PM
Edit: Still D- but 255 lines and 183290 points
Post by: WuTangTurtle on May 04, 2005, 09:44:33 PM
Post by: Spak-Spang on May 05, 2005, 04:49:00 AM
The Puzzle mode just takes some time to adjust your brain to the puzzles. The secret I have found, is to first look for a pattern, something that can form a line. The patterns can be deceiving though, because you don't always follow the pattern to solve the puzzle.
After finding the pattern, find the squares that you can not change and successfully solve the puzzle. Work around those puzzles.
Always finish your line even if you are going to fail, this gives you a top screen guide to your last attempt and you can study it and see if you missed anything. Often times you were on the right track, however you just missed something.
Post by: Spak-Spang on May 05, 2005, 04:52:22 AM
Oh and that Polarium-puzzles.com or whatever the link is above, is a great site. Go to it and download your puzzles while you can. It even gives you previews of the puzzles so you know if it is worth downloading or not.
I have a feeling that the site won't be up for long because the guy is trying to write a program that will allow you to play the game online similarly to that of the Nintendo website. He he does this Nintendo will surely take notice and ask him to stop. Perhaps the puzzles will be allowed to remain up though...
Post by: blackfootsteps on May 05, 2005, 07:46:40 PM
Quote
Originally posted by: ShaolinKilla
im jealous of all you guys...........I just picked this game up last week and i can't get past E- and my high score is 56,000, oh and I only have like 30 puzzles finished. Any tips, cause im even having troubles getting past 30,000 pts, maybe i should play the game in longer spurts.
I do things differently than Spak. I always try to eliminate each individual puzzle as it comes down, the point bonuses received are exceptionally high. Eg after the first puzzle drop your score should be ~ 15,000 points. After 5 puzzles ~35,000 points, depending on the puzzles of course! Get as many points as you can early on.
As each new 'puzzle' drops eliminate it immediately therefore gaining a 'full clear' bonus each time. That's my aim keep the touch screen clear. If you have leftovers clear them whilst you are waiting for the next puzzle. Also starting to draw your line before the puzzle has dropped gains a little time but may take some practice.
This method should suffice until level 3 where the speed really ramps up. After that good luck.
Current high score: 234600 but still only D-!
That being said my puzzle mode is definately lacking only 38%
Post by: Bill Aurion on May 05, 2005, 09:51:41 PM
Post by: Spak-Spang on May 06, 2005, 04:38:01 AM
I think group 80-90 were the most difficult puzzles. 90-100 were too easy, but they had fun pictures in them. Polarium versions of Mario and a Koopa Troopa.
Post by: Mike! on May 06, 2005, 10:47:00 PM
On the first level, the first thing to do, of course, is to get rid of the big '1' in one stroke. Once that's gone, all of the other sets of blocks that fall down can also be got rid of in one stroke, although I tend to draw a line, wait to see whether the set that's going to fall next can be connected to the first set, and if not, quickly tap the end of the line before the second set of blocks falls down. In level one, as long as you recognise the sets of blocks (there aren't that many variations), it's fairly easy to clear the level - just make sure you eliminate all the blocks in one set at once. Another advantage to being able to recognise block formations as they appear on the top screen is that you can draw the line on the grey bit at the bottom, then wait for the blocks to fall to the bottom (and 'underneath' the line you've drawn) so as soon as they hit the bottom you just have to tap to clear the set. This is particularly useful about halfway through each level, when a big letter is spelled out using two sets of four blocks. I think in the first level, the letter's an N.
Level two isn't that difficult - blocks fall down in sets of two lines. In most cases, just go one line at a time - usually each line will have two tiles that are the opposite colours to the other tiles on the line, so you just have to join them up, going over the dark grey area at the bottom. In some cases you can clear two lines at once if there are two of the odd blocks next to each other vertically or horizontally on the edge of the line. After around 50 lines, the sets of blocks that fall down are more like the ones from the first level - very easy to clear with one stroke. Just keep cleaing them in the sets they fall (don't try to connect the line to a set above it unless you can clear the whole of that set too), and before you know it, you'll be on around 185 lines. Now this is where you have to be careful. Don't clear any lines until you can see that the one that's about to fall down isn't the pink one. If it IS the pink line, make it so that it falls on top of ONE line at the bottom of the screen, and that that line can be cleared by one simple, short, horizontal stroke.
With two lines taken up at the bottom, start tackling level three. The first few sets of blocks that fall down will make a big '3', which will reach the top of the bottom screen, and can be cleared in one stroke (make sure you draw the line as the sets are falling down - don't leave it to the last second to start drawing it!). Then comes the it that I was stuck on for quite a while - the main part of level three. It can be very hard, and as not all the sets can be cleared in one stroke like you can do in level one, it's more difficult to give advice about clearing it. Just keep going on the practice mode, and try and get around 50 lines done. Once you've managed 40-50 lines in the main game, you can then (if you need to) get rid of the bottom line, which will make the pink one you've saved drop to the bottom and clear the whole screen. After that it's just a case of being quick on the draw, and recognising patterns. For example, there'll be quite a few situations in level three where you have to go along two or three tiles on the bottom line, then up to the next line and go across four or five tiles, and then go back down to the bottom line. But just keep trying on practice mode until you can do 40-50 lines almost every time!
Once you've done level three, levels four and five will seem really easy. Level four, for example, is a lot like level two, and you'll have to clear lines one line at a time for the first half. You may have trouble with level six, but if you get that far, you'll probably be good enough to work out how to do it yourself! Personally, I can almost always get up to level eight without much problem - it's then that you've got to be either really skillful or really lucky! But on the plus side, level ten isn't too bad! Just remember, on all levels except at the end of level three (you don't really need it in level 4) not to let the pink line touch the bottom until you're just about to die!
Good luck!
Post by: blackfootsteps on May 07, 2005, 04:07:32 AM
Post by: Mike! on May 07, 2005, 06:26:10 AM
Post by: WuTangTurtle on May 10, 2005, 09:16:56 AM
Post by: Nephilim on May 10, 2005, 02:30:05 PM
80
E-
I suck, thu iv only had the game for less then a day
Post by: Bill Aurion on May 10, 2005, 06:23:37 PM
Post by: clevelandst124 on May 22, 2005, 02:06:38 PM
97006-30172
17570-29473
59411-76710
Post by: MarioAllStar on May 22, 2005, 07:36:02 PM
As someone said before, it's funny how you come across a challenging puzzle, and the next are easy as can be.
Post by: Rhoq on May 27, 2005, 02:46:46 PM
