Poly Bridge 3 is the newest game in the Poly Bridge series developed by Dry Cactus. Poly Bridge 3 is a puzzle game at its core all about building bridges, go figure. There are over 100 levels on offer here, perfect for anyone looking to apply their engineering degree. Or people who want to pretend they have one.
Poly Bridge 3 is a game you can pick up and play at any time for any length of time. Perfect for when you have time to kill and want to get a quick mental workout in. There’s a lot of different scenarios do deal with. So it will definitely keep you occupied for a while. Even then, you can repeat previous levels and try to create better bridges than your previous effort, and the efforts of other players.
However, the game does not explain things very well. Granted, they’re probably assuming a good amount of players have played the previous entries, which I have not. It’s not required, either. There’s no story mode or anything that requires prior knowledge. Game mechanics are introduced very abruptly with little experience and adjustment time. And you’re expected to fully understand a new concept once you pass the one tutorial level. Also, the game isn’t for everybody. You should pass on this if you don’t like puzzle/strategy games. Or if you prefer games with more story and/or action.
Poly Bridge 3 is available on Steam for $19.99
Story – Abridged Experience
There may not be a story, but there is a campaign. The campaign mode contains over 100 levels. Most of which have a certain theme or challenge to them.
The game groups the levels into groups of anywhere between 10 and 15. And there’s always some connective theme between them. For example, the Bifrost Bend world has levels that focus on hydraulics. Also, there’s no set order to the worlds. Instead, each level has a difficulty rating, and you unlock harder worlds by completing a set number of levels from the prior difficulty.
Though, completing levels is harder than it sounds. It starts with just roads and wood. And quickly grows to include steel, hydraulics, ropes, cables, and more. And again, most of these concepts are only barely explained. However, there is a Help tab that shows you successful builds you can copy. Though, in my testing, I noticed some of them flat out didn’t work. If you’re not an engineer or some kind of bridge savant, you are going to struggle.
The testing screen
Gameplay – Building Bridges
There’s actually more to this game than just building bridges. Each stage you play also has a budget, so you have to use your available resources wisely. On top of that, you can also see how other players completed the level. And how your build stacks up in terms of cost to everyone else.
Aside from the Campaign, there’s also the Weeklies tab. Featuring a user created challenge level that changes every week, in case you just can’t get enough construction entertainment. And if you really can’t get enough, there’s also the Sandbox tab where you can create your own scenario. And a Workshop to download other user levels, and even mods. If this is your kind of game, there’s a lot for you to enjoy.
However, if this isn’t your kind of game, you will probably loathe your time with it. This is a game that expects you to pick up its mechanics with ease. Anything less will not be tolerated. You may be able to take your time, replay levels, and gradually learn more about the physics and mechanics of both bridges and Poly Bridge, but not everyone has that amount of time and energy to dedicate to one game.
The building screen
Graphics & Sound – Structural Integrity
As with most indie games, the graphical fidelity and sound quality are not the main attractions. However, they are perfectly serviceable, especially given the price tag. I’ve seen games this year look and sound way worse and cost much more. I’m looking at you, The Lord of the Rings: Gollum…
Sandbox mode
The art style is fun and cartoonish, and the diversity in world design and hazards keeps a very repetitive experience feeling fresh. The sound design is mostly just ambient noises and sound effects, with some chill music in the back. However, I found it was better to mute the music and play your own playlist. But if you don’t have one of those, you won’t need it.
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- Oops
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- Hydraulics in action
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- Whatever works
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- Tricky towers
Poly Bridge 3 was reviewed on PC with a key from ICO.
