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Orient Express is the fourth title in Wrebbit's superb Puzz3D CD series, and like the other titles, it's pure pleasure. This time around you are reconstructing several cars from the 1920s version of the fabled Orient Express train. As before, you can do the jigsaw on four different difficulty settings. For the very first time, I did the puzzle on the hardest setting. There must be an effective learning curve after working through several of these titles, because I had no trouble breezing through construction even at this setting. Like the earlier titles, the interface of Puzz3D Orient Express is simple, elegant, and versatile. All of your pieces are laid out on a large table, and with left and right mouse clicks, you can manipulate the pieces in any direction you choose. You can also easily create temporary trays in which to store similar pieces. You can also look at models of the finished train from various perspectives, to help you along. While you are building the puzzle, you have the opportunity to watch several small movies that illuminate the history of the train and introduce characters in the story that comes later. Once you've finished building the train, you are rewarded with the chance to enter it and have a little adventure. The interiors of the train are beautifully done, with a nice attention to detail. I have mixed feelings about the "adventure" in this title, however. I enjoyed it, as I did on the other titles, but I do wish Wrebbit would challenge itself to evolve the formula just a bit. There are the same old puzzles, including a music jigsaw just like in Bavarian Castle and Victorian Mansion. Now, I like a good musical jigsaw as much as the next guy, but, come on, let's dig a little deeper in the puzzle well, shall we? On the other hand, there were delightful elements to the adventure sequence as well. When one particular cast member spoke to me, I realized I'd seen her before in another Puzz3D title. "Great," I thought, "they're recycling actors." But then I realized that it was actually the same character from the earlier game. Well, that's different! It was really fun to see this familiar character in new surroundings. And there's a payoff with a lovely moment at the very end with this character that I don't want to give away; trust me, it's nice. There's also a famous historical person on the train, and this is also entertaining. One more nice feature is a map which details the Orient Express route from Paris to Istanbul, with hotspots that lead to information on each city along the way. All in all, as with the other titles in this series, you simply can't go wrong with Puzz3D Orient Express. Get your hands on it and enjoy! Final Grade: B If you liked Puzz3D Orient Express: System Requirements:
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