Perchang
By Galen McQuillen,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Lovely minimalist Rube Goldberg puzzler with a techno edge.
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Perchang
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What’s It About?
PERCHANG is a procedural puzzle game where players press red and blue buttons to control various elements in a complicated machine. Through all kinds of mechanisms, users guide a set of balls from their origin to a fixed endpoint. Each level requires pressing the right sequence of buttons and changing the color of platforms and ramps to alter their controls to get a certain number of balls to the goal within a specified time. Completing levels faster earns bronze, silver, and gold stars, depending on the time, and as levels are cleared, more difficult areas open up for a total of 60 puzzles. Later levels add fans that float balls in the air with realistic physics, requiring a light touch and plenty of finesse to clear. Players can compare scores via Facebook.
Is It Any Good?
Plenty of fun with very light time commitments, this puzzler has levels that only take a few seconds to complete and give a nice sense of satisfaction when earning those gold stars. Perchang's controls all are very responsive, making finesse plays possible, and the charming instrumental soundtrack adds a bit of character to the otherwise spartan experience. The minimalist grayscale color scheme sets the game apart from competitors, as do the nicely rendered 3D graphics. Some kids may find the time limits anxiety-provoking, but even if you fail a level, you can always try again, so the pressure is minimal. Parents may want to set expectations around the link to Facebook; though not in your face, it's still readily accessible. For kids who like puzzles and projectiles, Perchang is a direct hit with lots of charm.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about procedural problem-solving like the kind Perchang requires. Sometimes getting past a tough level (or a tough homework assignment or a chore at home) can require a set of carefully timed steps. How can we make a careful plan by watching for patterns, experimenting, then working out a solution before jumping into the action?
Also discuss the value of persistence. It's not always possible or easy to get something right the first or even the 15th time. Sometimes lots of practice is required to earn that gold star, and sometimes it comes pretty easily.
App Details
- Devices: iPhone , iPod Touch , iPad , Android
- Subjects: Science : engineering, momentum, motion
- Skills: Thinking & Reasoning : part-whole relationships, solving puzzles, strategy
- Pricing structure: Paid
- Release date: June 29, 2016
- Category: Puzzle Games
- Publisher: Perchang Limited
- Version: 1.02
- Minimum software requirements: iOS 8.0 or later; Android 4.0.3 and up
- Last updated: October 7, 2021
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