Sparkle Unleashed
Top Critic Average
Critics Recommend
Critic Reviews for Sparkle Unleashed
If you've never jumped in to the enchanted world of Sparkle, this is as good a place as any to start. It's a polished, competent match three game with decent production, plenty of stages and addictive ball blasting action, even if it is very derivative and repetitive. For those familiar with the series or the genre as a whole, Sparkle unleashed is merely a slight variation on more of the same. With Sparkle 2 already out on Switch, as well as it being released for every other system in all the known kingdoms, Sparkle Unleashed is another solid, if unremarkable addition to the console's library.
I was left wishing that it had done more, instead of repeating its few gameplay challenges again and again.
Sparkle Unleashed is a fun game and the gameplay can be addictive, especially when using certain powerups. The fantasy style the developers have chosen has worked in its favour and, although the limited story barely does anything for it, the theme helps to add character to the title, and the music is pleasant to listen to as you play through the levels. However, the game feels a little too long for what it is and unless a few extra level designs were added in, cutting out a few of the required levels wouldn't have hurt. After long periods of play, boredom may kick in so it's best to play in short bursts. For its price, it's worth a look if you're a fan of these types of games but if you aren't, then you won't be missing out on a ton if you decide to give it a miss.
Sparkle Unleashed is a solid puzzle game with a few new ideas – but not enough to truly feel fresh. We can't criticise the controls or gameplay here, but the feeling of familiarity that pervades the whole experience lets it down. If you want a timewaster to fill a few minutes here or there, then this is well worth a shot. Otherwise, you can give this one a miss.
There's no competition in the genre on the Xbox One right now, so if you absolutely must shoot marbles then you probably can't go wrong with Sparkle Unleashed. However it feels, looks and plays like a mobile port - which is okay, because that's exactly what it is.
Not only does Sparkle Unleashed reek of being a mobile game, but a mostly unoriginal one at that. Sure, the fantasy theme is nice, and the gameplay does fare rather well after you get used to it, but more variety could've easily set this apart from other puzzle games that are out there – something Sparkle 2 suffered from last year as well. Still, if you can't live without your Luxor-like action, this is worth a look.
Sparkle Unleashed is a simple but competent puzzle game that is mostly based on a very tested formula, and there's nothing wrong with that. While the game does not attempt to stand above all its peers, what it features proves sufficient to provide for some simple fun. Where Sparkle Unleashed disappoints is on how quickly it begins to feel rather repetitive, especially for more experienced players with more exposure to other works.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
Sparkle Unleashed is a solid yet un-flashy puzzle game, and that's all I'll ever need or want from it.
