PILE App Review: PILE is the latest and greatest app in fast-paced puzzle solving. Created by 1Button SARL, an independent game developer, this free app echoes many key aspects of our old friend Tetris. And although the two games do have their differences, players with experience in any type of puzzle/block solving will find a new challenge in PILE.
Starting with an empty playing field, a line of blocks with three or four different colors will appear at the top of the screen. Each of these blocks is in four pairs of two, and it’s your job to drag and place them before the timer runs out. Being quick on your feet (or index finger) is essential. Points are awarded each round for the number of horizontal matches by color, and once pairs are made in three or more blocks they will disappear.
PILE App Review continued: Unlike Tetris, T-blocks, L-blocks and vertical block pairs will not count for points. This makes it all the more challenging, considering it’s much harder to only line up colors horizontally. Once the screen is filled, it’s game over.
As you move up levels, the timer also becomes much quicker—putting an emphasis on the need to think quickly and accurately. If you have a match in mind before you drag the pair down, you can tap it in the top bar to swap the colors around. It’s a neat little feature that definitely helps create the matches you need. However, be prepared for the fastest game you’ve ever played anywhere beyond level four. Creating and thinking of strategies only becomes harder as time speeds up, so make sure you think ahead.
All in all, PILE is a fun and easy way to get your heart pumping and adrenaline racing. Despite its similarities to Tetris, PILE still tries to be something different and unique to the current gaming market. It’s simplistic design and easy-to-understand walkthrough are great examples of good presentation on part of the designers. But the fast-paced gameplay means it’s not for the feint of heart.