7 Wonders: Ancient Alien Makeover

7 Wonders: Ancient Alien Makeover is a tile-matching puzzle game set in a sci-fi/futuristic world where players rebuild ancient wonders with an alien twist. Featuring fluid, polished gameplay, it includes an overarching objective, multiple difficulty levels, achievements, and the ability to customize a village throughout the journey. Players experience bright visuals, dynamic power-ups, and an engaging blend of strategy and puzzle-solving as they progress through colorful levels.

7 Wonders: Ancient Alien Makeover: A Comprehensive Review

Introduction

In the vast landscape of puzzle games, few titles manage to blend historical intrigue with extraterrestrial fantasy as seamlessly as 7 Wonders: Ancient Alien Makeover. Released in 2012 by MumboJumbo, this installment in the long-running 7 Wonders series introduces a fresh twist to the classic match-three formula by weaving together ancient civilizations and alien technology. This review will delve into the game’s development history, narrative depth, gameplay mechanics, artistic direction, and its enduring legacy in the puzzle genre.

Development History & Context

Studio and Creators

Developed by MumboJumbo, a studio known for its casual and puzzle games, 7 Wonders: Ancient Alien Makeover was directed by John Newcomer, who also served as the Director of Game Design. The game’s development team included a mix of experienced designers, programmers, and artists, many of whom had worked on previous titles in the 7 Wonders series. The creative direction was overseen by Kirill Korneev, while the technical aspects were managed by Mikhail Rozhkov and Alexander Tuzhik.

Technological Constraints and Gaming Landscape

Released in 2012, 7 Wonders: Ancient Alien Makeover emerged during a period when digital distribution was becoming increasingly prevalent. The game was designed with both PC and iPad platforms in mind, reflecting the growing trend of cross-platform compatibility. The technological constraints of the era limited the game’s graphical fidelity and complexity, but the developers compensated with innovative gameplay mechanics and a unique thematic blend.

The gaming landscape in 2012 was dominated by casual puzzle games, with titles like Bejeweled and Candy Crush Saga setting the standard. 7 Wonders: Ancient Alien Makeover sought to differentiate itself by incorporating a rich narrative and strategic depth, appealing to both casual and more experienced puzzle enthusiasts.

Narrative & Thematic Deep Dive

Plot and Characters

The game’s narrative revolves around the reconstruction of ancient wonders with the assistance of extraterrestrial beings. Players are tasked with rebuilding iconic landmarks such as the Great Wall of China, the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, and the Colosseum. The story suggests that aliens played a role in the construction of these wonders, providing players with a unique blend of historical and sci-fi elements.

The characters in the game are largely enigmatic, with the aliens serving as mysterious allies who provide power-ups and resources. The human characters are minimal, with the focus primarily on the player’s role as a constructor of wonders. The dialogue is sparse but effectively sets the stage for the game’s fantastical premise.

Themes and Dialogue

The game explores themes of ancient civilizations, extraterrestrial influence, and the intersection of history and fantasy. The dialogue is straightforward and serves to advance the plot without delving into complex character development. The thematic depth lies more in the game’s setting and the imaginative blend of ancient and futuristic elements.

Gameplay Mechanics & Systems

Core Gameplay Loop

At its core, 7 Wonders: Ancient Alien Makeover is a match-three puzzle game. Players swap adjacent tiles to create matches of three or more, which then disappear and allow new tiles to fall into place. The game introduces a new element—alien energy—as a construction material, adding a layer of strategy to the traditional match-three mechanics.

Combat and Progression

There is no traditional combat in the game. Instead, players progress by completing levels and accumulating resources to build wonders. The game features a village-building component, where players can use resources to construct and decorate their own village. This meta-progression system adds a layer of depth and replayability.

UI and Innovative Systems

The user interface is intuitive and user-friendly, with clear indicators for objectives and resources. The game features a redesigned display for power-ups, making them easier to access. The inclusion of a “Zen” mode, which removes the time limit, caters to players who prefer a more relaxed experience.

Flawed Systems

Some players have noted that the game can be overly challenging, even on the lowest difficulty setting. The time limits can be restrictive, and the game’s performance has been criticized for occasional lag and jerky animations. These issues, while not deal-breakers, detract from the overall experience.

World-Building, Art & Sound

Setting and Atmosphere

The game’s setting is a fantastical blend of ancient civilizations and advanced alien technology. Players travel through different time periods and locations, from the bustling streets of ancient Rome to futuristic alien landscapes. The atmosphere is whimsical and imaginative, creating a unique and immersive experience.

Visual Direction

The art style is cartoonish and vibrant, with bright colors and exaggerated proportions. The visuals effectively convey the game’s blend of ancient and futuristic elements. The animations are smooth and engaging, adding to the game’s charm.

Sound Design

The soundtrack is catchy and upbeat, complementing the game’s lighthearted tone. The sound effects are well-designed, with satisfying visual and auditory feedback for matches and power-ups. The music and sound effects work together to create an engaging and immersive atmosphere.

Reception & Legacy

Critical and Commercial Reception

7 Wonders: Ancient Alien Makeover received generally positive reviews from critics. GameZebo praised the game’s polished gameplay and attention to detail, awarding it a score of 90%. Games Finder highlighted the game’s unique setting and diverse power-up options, giving it an 80% rating. Family Friendly Gaming noted the game’s bright and colorful graphics but criticized the time limits and some gameplay mechanics.

The game’s commercial performance was solid, with a dedicated fanbase appreciating its innovative blend of match-three gameplay and historical fantasy. The game’s legacy lies in its ability to stand out in a crowded genre, offering a unique and engaging experience that resonates with puzzle enthusiasts.

Influence on Subsequent Games

The game’s success influenced subsequent titles in the 7 Wonders series, with later installments incorporating similar elements of historical fantasy and strategic depth. The game’s village-building component and the introduction of alien energy as a gameplay mechanic have been cited as innovative contributions to the puzzle genre.

Conclusion

7 Wonders: Ancient Alien Makeover is a standout title in the match-three puzzle genre, blending ancient history with extraterrestrial intrigue. Its innovative gameplay mechanics, engaging narrative, and vibrant art style make it a memorable entry in the 7 Wonders series. While it has its flaws, the game’s unique blend of elements and strategic depth ensure its place as a notable title in video game history. For fans of puzzle games and historical fantasy, 7 Wonders: Ancient Alien Makeover offers an unforgettable journey through time and space.