Review

I love this game!  Chukchi Kerling is a very simple game which requires you to slide blocks of “ice” on a playing field in order to match blocks of the same color.  When the sides of two or more identical blocks meet, they “melt”, and are cleared from the board.

Theme:
The Chukchi are a group of indigenous people based in Siberia, across the Bering Straight from Alaska.  The opening screens and playing screen are populated by happy cartoon characters representing the Chukchi, as well as a goofy reindeer.  The playing field represents an ice field, and there is a random selection of colored ice blocks on the perimeter of the field.  I assume that the name derives from curling, an Olympic sport in which you slide a round stone-like object across a frozen surface and aim it at a target marked on the ice.

Game Play:
As mentioned above, the object is to slide blocks of the same color next to each other, which clears the blocks and earns you points.  Extra points are awarded for combinations with more than two blocks.  These combinations also result in a happy smile on the face of the Chukchi, and sometimes cause a reindeer to appear.  I think the Chukchi’s reactions get steadily more animated as you make multiple combos in a row.   If you are able to clear all the blocks in the middle of the field, a new (and more challenging) pattern of blocks appears.  Play continues until no more moves are possible.  This happens when all the empty spaces on the field have been filled, and no more matches are available.

Comments:
This game is easy, yet addicting.   You have four sides of the playing field from which to slide blocks, although not every side is available at all times.  Sometimes the blocks are impeded by “snow”, which must be cleared by moving a block from another side of the board.  In some ways, the game is like chess, in that it helps to plan several moves in advance.  It helps to set up combinations by placing blocks in position to accept a multiple match from another side.  Having multiple options means that just as the game seems to be over, you get a new chance to stay alive.  Also, as you slide blocks from the perimeter, they are replaced with new blocks.  This allows you to constantly generate new opportunities for a match.

Pro:
While simple to play, the game does reward you for thinking through your moves.  By carefully setting up the blocks from multiple sides, you can increase your chances of getting combos and clearing more blocks. 

Con:
The instructions don’t explain how combos are awarded and whether they add to your point value.  It seemed that there were times when I made a combo, but got no recognition.  At other times, the Chukchi exclaimed “Comba”, but it was just a regular match.   Although I made it to the second level several times, it was not clear whether more points are awarded at that point.  The block patterns seemed different, but not necessarily “harder”. 

Conclusion:
This game is very appealing.  It uses the color match scheme of many other games, but adds the ice pond/Chukchi theme to make it fun.  It just makes me smile when I play!  I often use my PDA to pass the time when I am stuck on a bus or a subway train.  This game makes takes my mind away from those unpleasant moments.  It’s nice to play a game that engages your mind just enough, without overtaxing it when you are in the mood for some diversion.

Purchase Information:
Chukchi Kerling is available through the through Handango for $14.99, with a free trial. The game is only available for Pocket PC (sorry Palm users!)

~Ellis Baumel