Theia: A Flash-Based Puzzle Adventure

Theia is a Flash-based puzzle experience created by Newgrounds.com artist Toonimated. Song tracks used in the creation were also done by the same Newgrounds.com user. Track titles include: Theia - White Noise, Theia - Voly's theme, Theia - Stealth, Theia - Zero Resistance, Theia - Zone, Theia - Eternal Lullaby, Theia - Hallucinations, and Theia - The Devil's Whistle. This alien-themed puzzle was submitted to Newgrounds.com on March 3, 2010 and held first-page status in the same week.

Game Background

In the land of Theia, a terrible earthquake has just rocked the planetoid, creating a passage from the planetoid's surface to its core. Responsible for the monstrous quake is a giant monster ready to consume Theia's core. Take the role of Voly the underdog as you try to save your race.

Gameplay

The objective of the puzzle is to get to the center of Theia to stop the monster that is destroying the planetoid's core.

When you first begin the puzzle, and at the end of each stage, you will be shown a progress report that will indicate a few values to help you mark your progress. At the right hand side of the screen, you will see the stage number that you are about to begin. Below this, you will have a value that indicates the number of points you have earned from obtaining lives. Below this is your total current score, and below this value is the amount of points you need to move on to the next stage. Below this is the stage password that can be entered at the puzzle's opening screen. At the very bottom of this report is the number of lives you currently have.

You gain a life after every stage, which is useful, considering the difficulties that lie head of you.

Voly has a few abilities that can be manipulated to help you complete the puzzle. First, Voly can tunnel underground. While underground, Voly can move under plants. This will be useful for getting around as well as for avoiding enemies. Also, you can restart a stage by pressing Shift, but this costs a life.

While playing a stage, you will notice a few useful indicators at the top of the screen. At the top left hand corner of the screen, you can see the number of lives you currently have. To the right of this value is the level you are currently on. At the right hand corner of the screen, you can toggle the quality and song of the creation. To the left of this is your current score.

Get through each stage using your strategic abilities to help save your race.

Game Review

Theia is a creative puzzle experience that incorporates a story line well, unlike many other puzzles. This sense of adventure the permeates this puzzle keeps players interested in playing. The song tracks also add to the puzzle's overall appeal. The graphics were also quite enjoyable.

Theia scores a 9/10 for its high level of entertainment.