{tag [Review]} {tag [PC]}

Tired of Mario Kart, or is Grand Theft Auto just not your thing?  Maybe casual gaming is more your speed.  If so, StoneLoops of Jurassica may be for you.  Don't let the strange name scare you off; this is a fun game!

Gameplay: 80%
StoneLoops of Jurassica plays much like the casual game Zuma, with a few exceptions.  Much like Zuma, the point is to match multicolored rocks (balls in Zuma) in sets of three or more, when you do so, the color-matched rocks are eliminated.  Work through all of a given number of rocks before they reach the end of the track, and you beat the level.  It is very familiar.

Where StoneLoops really distinguishes itself from the PopCap classic is in how each move begins.  First, instead of playing from the center of the rock track, your rock launcher runs along a linear track at the bottom of the screen, in a very Space Invaders like motion.  Second, instead of beginning with a randomly generated colored rock, the player moves the rock launcher into place, and first grabs from the continuously moving line of rocks, and places it where he wishes.  This twist on an old favorite, makes for great gameplay.

Another welcome addition is the inclusion of nine “power-ups”.  Power-ups appear after eliminating some rocks, and fall from the implosion.  If you catch the power-up pentagon as it falls, you can then utilize it.  These can be very useful, particularly as the rocks approach the end of the track.

For every two levels completed (the number increases as you progress through the game), the player wins an upgrade for their “house”.  This achievement system seems like a real afterthought, and although I appreciate the addition of such a mechanism, this simply doesn’t cut it.  There are secondary trophies awarded for unique acheievements as well.

Sound: 90%
The sound in StoneLoops is honestly, one of the highlights of this title.  The sound effects are excellent, and the music, while quite eerie at times (some of it sounds like chanting from The Omen), is a nice addition.  But the best audio in the game comes from the game announcer.  Sounding much like the announcer from the Unreal Tournament series, the voice in StoneLoops adds to the excitement in much the same way.  Shouts of “Astounding!” and "Avalanche!” excited and inspired me to battle through level after level.

Graphics:  80%
The graphics of StoneLoops of Jurassica are of a higher caliber than one might expect in a casual title.  Having a unique style, the graphics look great, animations are well rendered, and the lively colors are truly eye catching.

Controls: 70%
The controls in StoneLoops are very simple.  Move the mouse left and right to move the rock launcher, and left-click to collect or launch.  The simplicity of the controls makes for ease of play, even when using a touchpad.  The only problem occurs in windowed mode; there is no locking of the cursor within the window, which makes it easy to click outside, that thankfully, instantly pauses the game.

Summary:  80%
StoneLoops of Jurassica is simple in design and brilliant in execution.  It has its problems, but it is a great play.  While casual games aren’t usually my cup of tea, I found myself playing for hours at a time, just trying to beat that next level, all while being cheered on by the game’s announcer.

StoneLoops may not entice the most hardcore gamers, but it is a great way to pass the time.