Publisher: Microsoft
Developer: CNG Studios
Genre: Puzzle
ESRB rating: Not rated
Release date: Available now

In the past, tying a string around your finger has been a great way to remember something. That’s what I’m told, at least. Honestly, I have no idea how that works, unless the thing you are supposed to remember is written on the string itself. Immunogen, by CNG Studios, looks to take that string off your finger by sharpening your mind through memorizing and matching.

Immunogen is an Xbox Live Indie game that features unlimited levels and quick gameplay. In Immunogen, viruses are infecting your body, and you must choose the correct medicine to fight off the infection. The medicine is available in the form of different colored pills, each color used to cure a separate virus. The game tests your memory by changing the virus vulnerabilities every level. While the green pill could cure the red virus in level 1, it might cure the blue virus in level 2. Failure to match the correct pill and virus results in the virus multiplying, making the level more difficult to complete. You start with three lives, which are lost when viruses reach the bottom of the screen.

The controls in Immunogen are very straight-forward. The left analog stick moves the cursor, and you can use either the A button or the right trigger to drag the pills to the viruses. The visuals are basic, but the background changes each level to keep things fresh. The music also changes when new levels begin. At the beginning of each level, you’re given a chance to memorize the correct color combinations. Once the level starts, you have to rely on your memory to get you safely through. Should you need a quick reminder, you can get one by pausing the game, but taking a peek gets you branded as a cheater.

Immunogen’s three difficulty settings and scoreboard add to the game’s replayability. It’s very easy to learn and can be played by people of all ages. CNG Studios’ aim with Immunogen is to improve your memory, and playing it is a good way to keep your mind sharp. The game features eight awards you can claim by scoring points and killing viruses.

While the game technically has infinite replayability, there really isn’t anything worth replaying. The gameplay is simplistic, but it isn’t very much fun. The backgrounds change, but all of the levels play exactly the same way. There’s no way to save your progress, so you have to start from scratch every time you play. The simplistic visuals and controls feel more like a cell-phone game than something you should be playing on a console. (Coincidentally, the game is also available in the App Store.)

Immunogen is a simplistic memory game. It’s easy to learn, but won’t offer much fun. While the indie price tag might make the game seem appealing, there are far more interesting indie offerings available. The game is worth a look if you’re trying to improve your short-term memory, as it makes you pay attention to succeed.

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