Publisher: Mumbo Jumbo
Developer: Mumbo Jumbo
System requirements: Windows XP/Vista/Win 7, 1 GHz CPU, 512 MB RAM, DirectX 9.0c-compatible graphics card with Shader Model 2.0 support, 150 MB hard-drive space
Genre: Puzzle
ESRB rating: Everyone
Release date: May 1, 2012

There are many genres of games that seem to be content to never change. Match-threes, hidden-objects and time-management games seem to cater to a market that likes their games predictable and easy. Luxor Evolved, however doesn’t want to fall into that pit. As its name suggests, it wants to take that same universal game and turn it into something even core gamers can appreciate. Hold onto your moonstones; Luxor’s evolving!

Luxor Evolved takes the classic marble-shooter core and overclocks it. This is easily the fastest and most difficult game of its kind you’ve ever played. While the original might be a relaxing time-waster for your grandmother, this one aims to leave even the twitchiest FPS player with sweaty palms. Marbles roll around their tracks at uncomfortable speeds, while goodies and powerups fly out of their ruptured geometries like so much piñata candy. With the game speed ramped up, correctly prioritizing targets is skill number one, an experience more Serious Sam than Zuma.

Like most good arcade-style games today, Luxor Evolved is drenched in a neo-retro aesthetic. Bright vector lines and colorful particle effects atop a black backdrop make it look like an arcade game that never was. Heck, even the throbbing music is heavily influenced by Daft Punk’s Tron Legacy soundtrack. It has a stimulating chaotic feel that pairs well with Mountain Dew.

Evolved might have all the working pieces of a Luxor game, but it’s amazing what just a few tweaks can do. Mumbo Jumbo has turned a casual staple into something that can fill the downtimes at a LAN party without killing the buzz. While Luxor Evolved might not transcend the marble-shooting genre, it definitely deserves your attention.