Which way does it go, George? 

 

SPiN - Super Shape Puzzle is not a game of wits. Its puzzles won’t make you smarter, and gameplay couldn’t possibly be any more repetitive. But crisp multi-touch integration and impressive 3D graphics make it a game that’s hard to put down.

 

The objective is as simple as it gets. Match 3D objects to their 2D silhouettes by rotating up, down, left, right, clockwise, or 

counterclockwise. Earn points and advance levels by being a speedy matcher, but don't expect to unlock any more challenging puzzles. Each board looks different, but the gameplay is virtually identical.

 

The easiest option for beginners, Arcade, is also the most fun, with bonus stages and multipliers for matches made with the fewest possible spins. Games can be paused and resumed at any time, so the timed modes, which are merely time variations of the same theme, seem a little superfluous. A fun set of 20 trophies mark your personal bests--and worsts. We’re not proud to admit it, but the Dumb Monkey trophy appeared in our case awfully quickly.

 

Yes, we were that dumb. 

 

The backgrounds are nauseatingly cute, with candy-colored characters and vibrant landscapes rounding out the game's cartoonish feel. Three-dimensional spins and subtle shadowing complement the responsive motions. And while we wanted to play in portrait mode, but SPiN doesn't twist that way. We also would have preferred hearing our own tunes, but SPiN saddled us with a soundtrack that is a little too anime for our tastes. Fortunately, it can be turned off.

Rotating objects over and over again shouldn't be this fun. But it is.

SPiN - Super Shape Puzzle 1.0
COMPANY: Secret Exit
CONTACT: www.secretexit.com
PRICE: $4.99
REQUIREMENTS: iPhone or iPod touch with 2.0 software update.
Very cool graphics. Extremely responsive. Takes full advantage of iPhone's interface.
No portrait play. Irritating soundtrack. Can't listen to your own music. Difficult to gauge progress. Insulting trophies.