Originally an iPad game, one might worry about the transition to a computer, but Gunpowder apparently does so with ease. A sort of physics-based puzzle game players draw lines with the mouse to interact with object to clear each level. Those lines are, as you might surmise, gunpowder.
Using an “old west” setting the story tells of Incendio (ha) who takes on the Robin Hood role of freeing the people’s money from the crooked hands of Boss Grimshaw. Staring out with a campfire players place powder kegs around the field to trigger events such as moving a boulder or firing a canon. What connects each of these items is the gunpowder players draw from the campfire to each incendiary or explosive device. There is, as you might expect, a finite amount of gunpowder for each level, so knowing where to draw is crucial. Additionally, once the gunpowder is lit from the campfire, the chain of events is in motion and if you haven’t placed everything correctly you have very little time to react.
Initially, as you might expect, the first few levels are rather easy. About a quarter of the way through the game the difficulty ramps up significantly. This is my biggest problem with the game. Some levels are frustratingly difficult, and some are obvious to figure out and complete in under a minute. There were times I would get stuck on a level for days because I would get frustrated and shut the game down. Actually, I still haven’t finished the game.
Players need to check the blast radius of their explosive barrels, not just to ensure the next line of gunpowder is ignited, but also to get the various piggy banks that are strewn about the levels. Scores are awarded for not only how quickly each level is completed but also how destructive was the player.
At 150 levels at $10, Gun powder is a solid purchase for puzzle fans. While I have gotten frustrated at some of the more challenging levels, I keep going back to it because it is, ultimately, fun.