Opening Pandora's Box

Pandora's Box

****

PC

Microsoft

$89.95

Review: Peter Eley

There is a plot to Pandora's Box, but let's not bother with it. This game is all about solving hundreds of visually stunning puzzles from Alexey Pajitnov, who created Tetris.

If you think that doesn't sound too exciting, you're wrong.

Pandora's Box is intriguing and addictive, with some truly challenging puzzles aimed at all ages, although younger children might struggle and soon get bored.

It's like doing a jigsaw - once started it's hard to stop. And many of the puzzles are jigsaw-like, needing good visiospatial skills to manipulate shapes into the correct places.

The graphics are static but stunning - reminiscent of Myst or Riven.

In true Microsoft fashion, you're not left to flounder along helplessly and there are endless hints and tips, which can be a bit annoying.

* Send your comments e-mail to peter_eley@herald.co.nz