Toogle (2024)

a FREE puzzle game by ‘Dune’ for Atari ST, published by ‘Côté Gamers’

Written for BrewOtaku #004 by Usman A. Khan

‘Started in 2004, finished in 2021 and finally released for free in 2024’ is mentioned in the release .info. A lovely move and enrichment for all Atari fans.

“Can’t Stop the Flipping”

Our brains are not meant to be turned into pretzels by games, right? But what if we like it? The game we’re discussing does just that. Toogle for the Atari ST has you flipping blocks and matching patterns. This puzzle game starts easy, but soon transforms into a proper noggin workout. Toogle eases you in with a few simple puzzles, but by the time you hit level five, the game gets serious. The goal? Replicate target patterns on a tangled game board by flipping blocks in vertical or horizontal lines, all while carefully planning each move. Make a wrong flip, and you’ll find the entire board transformed. Limited undos add extra tension, and with new ones granted every 10 levels, you can’t rely on them too often. The game has 99 levels, with each presenting a uniquechallenge just as the difficulty curve rises. It’s a constant balance between movement and strategy, forcing you to approach every puzzle with patience. It has an “easy-to-learn, hard-to-master” mantra, and it’s not just about pattern recognition – it’s about planning and forward-thinking.

While the premise might seem simple, the limited number of moves means Toogle demands careful consideration with every flip. Every victory makes you feel like a genius, and every defeat? Well, that’s a lesson in humility. Visually, the game shines. Its polished graphics are some of the bests on the Atari ST, and the four coloured worlds it takes you through are a delight. The music is catchy, but it does wear on your ear a bit, when you’re stuck staring at the same puzzle for ages. Still, the upbeat tunes provide some relaxation amidst the brain-crunching.