The Impossible Path is a Windows Phone game that will test your visual memory and ability to steadily trace a path between two points. It is a puzzle game, but that isn't necessarily a bad thing.
The Impossible Path has over one hundred levels of play that span three difficulty levels. Graphics are minimal and while game play starts off a little on the slow side, it doesn't take long to pick up the speed. After playing the game for the past few days, The Impossible Path comes across as an entertaining Windows Phone game to pass the time with.
The Impossible Path's main menu is brief with options to access the game's settings, view the about screen and send feedback to the developer. Game settings are equally as brief with options to mute the sound and music.
Game play is spread across three difficulty levels (easy, medium and hard) and includes over one hundred levels. Levels are progressively unlocked with the first fifty-five levels included in the free, ad-free version. To unlock the remaining medium difficulty levels and the hard difficulty levels, you will need to fork over $.99 through an in-app purchase (which isn't a bad deal).
The mechanics of The Impossible Path follows the uncomplicated design of the game. Each level has a Start and End point with a collection of stars scattered between these two points. Your job is to trace a line connecting the two points and collecting the stars along the way.
To add to the game's challenge, each level will have a few obstacles that rest between the two points. Some are stationary and some are moving. While this doesn't sound all too difficult, when you begin to trace your line these obstacles become invisible and you'll have to rely on your memory to avoid hitting them with your line.
Stars can be collected by running your line through them or by encircling them. If your line hits an obstacle or the edge of the game screen, your attempt will fail and you will have to start the level over. Your line will be re-traced to give you an idea where you went wrong.
Level scoring is based on the number of stars you collect, one to three, and as long as you earn one star the next level becomes unlocked.
Overall Impression
We have seen similar Windows Phone games before but what helps The Impossible Path stand out is that the game will test your memory as well as your ability to chart a path between the Start and End points. The game does have a casual pace and is a nice option to consider when you need help passing short bits of time.
I can see The Impossible Path coming in handy as you wait for a table at a restaurant, stuck in car pool line, waiting in line at the DMV or any other occasion you need help passing short bits of time. The only downside I experienced is that it doesn't take long to go through all the levels of play.On the plus side, you can replay the levels and the developer notes that additional levels will be available in the future.
Is it worth the $.99 to unlock the full game? I think so but I like Windows Phone puzzle games. They can be a fun way to pass the time with and make you think a little along the way. Sure, I like the "destroy everything in sight" type games also but puzzle games require a little more thought for success.Regardless of your stance on puzzle games, the free version of The Impossible Path will give you a nice feel for things to decide if the cost of the full game is a good investment or not.
The Impossible Path, at last check, is pulling down a 4 star rating in the Windows Phone Store, which is about right.
If you give The Impossible Path a try, let us know what you think in the comments below. Also, remember to rate the game in the Windows Phone Store to give the developer a little feedback on how they are doing.
