Cradle of Persia Review

Cradle of Persia is an entertaining game where you must build up the Persian Empire from the farms to the bridges by matching and collecting various supplies throughout the levels. The simple gameplay and controls make it a suitable game for everyone. There are over 100 different levels to play through as you collect supplies needed to create buildings. You can watch Ancient Persia grow from a few small buildings to giant structures. This is an addictive game that can keep you playing for hours at a time.

Gain Supplies to Build

In Cradle of Persia, buildings are created from three supplies: gold, food, and building materials like stone or lumber. These supplies are located throughout each level in tiles on a large grid. Some of these tiles are red in color. Your goal is to remove all the red tiles on the grid by matching supplies in groups of 3 or more.

Matching in this game is a bit different than most match 3 games, as you'll need to chain together adjacent supplies to match them. You do this by clicking the supply you want to match, and then drag the mouse through supplies of the same type so that a long chain of supplies is created. It's an unusual matching mechanic that adds some challenge and strategy to the traditional match 3 gameplay.

Time Limited Levels

Additionally, you've got a limited time to complete levels, so you'll need to be quick. If you don't complete the level before time runs out, you'll lose a life. Lose them all, and you'll need to restart on the current section of Persia that you're building. While it's nice that the game doesn't just end, it also means that you may have to redo several levels over, which can be a pain.

Varied Levels Keep Things Interesting

There are over 100 levels in the game split amongst several sections. Each section contains four buildings that you can build. Using supplies you earn while doing levels, you must construct these buildings, which can then give you bonuses like powerups or more powerful supplies. Powerups can destroy blocks or grant bonuses, and can even be upgraded as you play. The levels have a variety of layouts and obstacles to take on, like locked supplies that require you to match them before they can be moved. You'll also see the background art changing as the Persian Empire grows and you work on the different sections.

No Difficulty Settings

One drawback to the game is the lack of difficulty settings and modes. The difficulty starts off fairly low, but quickly begins to ramp up. While this provides a good challenge, it can be overwhelming or frustrating for less skilled players, especially when you add in the limited time you have to work. Difficulty settings or other modes that would allow play without a timer, or on an easier setting would have been a great addition to open this game up to more players and add some variety to the gameplay.

Easy to Learn Controls

Like other similar match 3 games, the controls for the game are simple and easy to learn. The only thing you need to do in the game is chain supplies and make use of your various powerups, which can be done via clicking the mouse. The game gives you a quick explanation on how to form chains before you start playing. You'll also get helpful tips when you encounter new obstacles or mechanics to deal with (like locked tile/supplies).

Standard Graphics and Sound

When it comes to the graphics and sounds in Cradle of Persia, they don't really stand out all that much from many other similar match 3 games. However, they don't take away from any part of the game either, and you won't find yourself needing to disable sound effects or music as you play.

Conclusion - A Cut Above the Standard Match 3 Game

If you're looking for fast-paced and exciting match 3 action, Cradle of Persia might be just the game for you. It has a few issues like only one mode of play and a lack of difficulty settings, but has many more positive points as well. The simple gameplay and controls make it an easy game for players of any skill level to learn and get into. You can watch the Persian Empire being built from a simple farm to gigantic structures as you play through over 100 different levels. This game is a great choice for any fan of match 3 games and well worth trying.