QuickSpot

Video games are like ice cream. They come in a variety of flavors, have varying textures, and are occasionally wrapped in nuts like Bowser and Dr. Robotnik.

Every once in a while you stumble upon a new and unusual flavor you never knew existed. From the Pikmins and LocoRocos of the world to the oddly satisfying Cooking Mama, new-gen games are pushing more than boundaries – they’re toying with crazy (and sometimes risky) concepts and getting away with it.

The latest in the world of unique flavors is QuickSpot. Part video game, part classic visual puzzler, QuickSpot is a game where you compare two pictures in an effort to spot the difference between them. I tend to think of the differences as being flaws, meaning that the top image is the correct one, whereas the bottom image – the one you’re supposed to solve – is imperfect. The pictures could be of anything, and the differences may be as obvious as a cape on a superhero, or as inconspicuous as a tiny blemish that’s very hard to notice.

It sounds weird, and almost borders on non-video game territory. But within this weird and quirky idea is a game that’s much more captivating than the premise would have you believe.

Circle Marks The Spot

QuickSpot is paced through a series of timed missions. One mission is available at the beginning, but you’ll quickly unlock others (including bonus stages) after it has been completed.

Missions are generally short and require fast action from the player. This can be quite a challenge when you start to see puzzles whose differences aren’t instantly obvious. You can play imperfectly and still pass, but the best way to succeed is not only to spot the differences quickly, but also to figure out how to spot the differences without making a mistake.

Once you think you’ve found the flaw, circle the image and lift up the stylus. Sloppy circles are acceptable, though you’ll find out later that it’s better to draw as accurately as possible. Right or wrong, the game will move onto the next photo set. Your point total will suffer for incorrect selections. The game is very good at detecting your choices, so you don’t have to worry about it misinterpreting what was circled – a sound technical advancement over other draw-oriented DS titles.

Images range from fun and silly to downright kooky. Some are like intricate Japanese paintings; others appear to have been scribbled out by young children. It’s that quirky playfulness that gives this game its style.

QuickSpot’s visuals are inherently limited by its own intentions. This was not supposed to be a three-dimensional title, and without a reason to produce massive explosions or other colorful effects, you won’t get too much eye candy. That said, the game still manages to come out looking good. Whether showing a cartoony image from Katamari Damacy or a render from Klonoa or Ridge Racer, QuickSpot is wonderfully clear.

With most DS titles, the coloring of the top screen is often different than the bottom, mainly because the system uses two different kinds of screens. I didn’t notice much of that here. Both screens look very close. Anyone who’s used PhotoShop or Avid on two different monitors (with two different color settings) knows how difficult it is to sync them up.

Rapidly Obsessed or Diligently Focused?

The three modes featured in the preview build – Rapid Play, Focus Play, and Today’s Fortune – turned out to be the game’s final lineup. The difference between the first two modes, as you’re likely aware, is that one involves the discovery of a single flaw among several different images (Rapid Play), while the other focuses on the discovery of several flaws among one image (Focus Play). The former is timed – the latter is not. Both are interesting and fun and have a way of sneaking challenge into what once seemed like a simple objective. In Focus Play, it is often the very last difference that is the hardest to find. You could spend five or ten seconds locating the first bunch, and be lost for five minutes trying to find the last.

Rapid Play rates your success based on five variables: speed, concentration, recognition, judgment, and stability. Though I can’t say that my skills necessarily increased with each level, my success ratings did. Speed and concentration were the only two that were likely to stay the same. The rest, which mainly determine how well you’re using your stylus, went up a little with each win.

Today’s Fortune measures your potential wealth and success (outside the game) based on the choices you make in a short version of Rapid Play. Five or six images are displayed. Each image contains several differences. Any one of the differences selected is deemed acceptable, but it’s the ones you choose that allow the game to make a conclusion. Take a look at today’s Money Fortune:

“Your money fortune is normal. You won’t have to spend too much on necessities today. But life has its perils. One mistake could cost you. Trying doing some sit-ups today!”

Something tells me gamers aren’t going to jump on board with that last note, but it’s good advice nonetheless.

Gameplay: 7.5
A unique picture puzzler that’s quickly engaging, QuickSpot rewards players for fast reaction times. Some of the puzzles are quite a challenge, but the majority won’t keep you down. The replay value is fairly high, so while you could finish this in a weekend, there are several reasons to return once Monday comes around.

Graphics: 6.0
There isn’t much too QuickSpot’s visuals – just a series of amusing 2D and 3D stills.

Sound: 7.3
The super-happy sounds and music tracks are typically only heard in imports. They take some getting used to, but if you have the Katamari Damacy love in your heart, you’ll find QuickSpot’s unusual sounds to be very entertaining.

Difficulty: Easy/Medium
QuickSpot is a game for anyone and everyone. Easy enough for the weakest puzzle-solver, but has a few challenging moments that’ll make the hardcore players take notice.

Concept: 8.0
The first of its kind for Nintendo DS, QuickSpot asks players to spot the difference among two images. It sounds painfully basic, but give this game five minutes and you’ll be hooked in a way that never seemed possible.

Multiplayer: 7.0
You might be able to spot the difference fast – but can you spot it fast than your friends?

Overall: 7.4
QuickSpot’s only flaw is its own unique concept. Like it or love it, there isn’t as much of a “game” in QuickSpot as you might find in other puzzlers. If you can cope with that, love picture puzzles or both, this is a fun title that’s ready to satisfy those looking for something simple and different.