Gerbil Physics

I’ve said before that I’m not really one for physics gubbins. Once you’ve played about with Pontifex for a while, do you really need more? So, I wasn’t particularly excited to give Gerbil Physics a try-out.

Imagine my surprise when it kept me entertained from start to finish. And not merely entertained, but actively engaged. I could not leave a level un-conquered, and I always wanted to see what came next.

The concept is simple: use explosions to knock down blocks. There are a couple other tools, but they don’t come into play nearly as much as the explosions. The gerbils don’t come into play at all, but it is far more amusing to blow away a block with a worried-looking rodent inside than a simple, static chunk of wood or stone.

Figuring out just where to cause those explosions with your limited resources is the puzzle, and there are several levels that will have you scratching your head for a while (and one that frustratingly requires a bit of luck.)

It’s not perfect. Some levels are frustrating (particularly the one that only works right it you’re lucky.) There’s no way of knowing how to earn the gold star on the gold-star-having levels. The rope tool is open to game-breaking levels of abuse if you’re skillful and patient (I’m not that patient.) The game ends all too soon leaving you wanting more…well, maybe that’s a positive. Nobody much likes games that over-stay their welcome.

Over-all, it’s cheap, fun, and the right length to keep you hooked all the way through. Recommended.