Klax
Game by Midway
Reviewed by Robby Cox
koi@magicnet.net
Save: Passwords 
Released: 1999
Works with: GAME BOY COLOR ONLY!!!
****************************************************************************

Opening Snide Remarks: I had never played any of the other incarnations of 
Klax.  I wanted another GB puzzle game and this one only worked with the GBC
so I figure that I would try it.  By the way, I hadn't heard this mentioned 
before but Klax(along with other GBC exclusive games, I suppose) comes on a 
clear cartridge.  This is an added extra surprise.    

****************************************************************************

Gameplay Descripion: Klax is a puzzle game.  The point of the game is to 
match 3 like colored tiles to create Klaxs.  When a klax is formed those 
tiles are eliminated.  Klaxs can be formed vertically, horizontally, and 
diagonally.  You control a paddle that can hold 5 tiles on it.  You collect
and then drop the tiles onto the section of the screen that holds the tiles.
There are 2 modes of play-regular and freestyle mode.  The regular mode is 
made up of short levels where you have to a accomplish a set goal such as 
make 4 klaxs or make 3 diagonals.  This gets old quick.  There are supposed 
to be passwords that you will receive after each completed level.  After 
clearing 11 waves without a password, you will doubt their existence.  The 
freestyle mode is really just a practice mode that never ends.  This game 
screams for a Tetris style mode of play.         
Liked: Good puzzle type gameplay.
Hated: Where's the endless mode?

****************************************************************************

Graphics Description: Klax has some really good graphics.  I guess that's why
this game is GBC exclusive.  The tiles are colorful, but unless you play in
an extremely well lit area, it's tough to tell certain colors apart.  The 
backgrounds are nicely detailed.     
Liked: Colorful graphics.
Hated: Certain colored tiles are tough to tell apart.

****************************************************************************

Sound/Music Description: Klax has some pretty good music.  It sounds like 
music from a puzzle game should.  The sound fx are pretty good.  There's a 
fair amount of voice and it's pretty clear.
Liked: Cool voices.
Hated: Nothing.

****************************************************************************

Play Control/Game Design: Klax controls perfectly.  The controls are easy to
learn and repond nicely.  Here are my problems with this game.  Where is the 
endless-type mode of play?  Why are certain colors so tough to tell apart?  
Also this game supports the Game Boy Printer, but the print quality is 
horrible.  You couldn't read it if you wanted to.  
Liked: Great controls.
Hated: Poor printer quality.

****************************************************************************

Improve: Add a Tetris like endless mode.  Fix the printer glitch.

RIYL: Shanghai Pocket, Tetris, Tetris Attack 

****************************************************************************

Final Words: If you have a lot of GB puzzle games, but would like another 
then Klax is for you.  If this would be your first GB puzzle game, then I 
would suggest that you look elsewhere.  

****************************************************************************
Score
Gameplay: ****
Graphics: ****
Sound/Music: ****
Play Control/Game Design: ***
Personal Opinion: ***
Total: 18 out of 25
Final Score: 72 %

****************************************************************************

Currently Known Codes: KLAX - GBC

Getting Passwords
You do not start receiving passwords until after level 16, and then you get a
password for every 5 levels after that.  The password will not pop up.  You
will have to quite your game and go to Password and write it down from there.

Key

0= Blue Square
1= Red Circle
2= Green Chip Guy
3= Pillar
4= Yellow Chip guy
5= Green Diamond


Passwords

4,3,3,1 Level 0
1,4,0,4 Level 5
4,4,0,2 Level 10
5,4,2,5 Level 15
5,0,5,2 Level 20
3,4,0,3 Level 25
2,1,3,3 Level 30
1,1,4,4 Level 35
3,5,5,1 Level 40
4,5,1,3 Level 45
0,5,4,0 Level 50
3,0,0,4 Level 55
1,0,1,2 Level 60
1,5,5,2 Level 65
1,0,0,3 Level 70
2,2,4,1 Level 75
3,1,1,3 Level 80
0,2,5,1 Level 85
4,2,1,5 Level 90
3,3,2,0 Level 95
3,4,5,5    Level 100


Template courtesy of Philip Wesley.