IGN would still position Zenses: Ocean Edition and Zenses: Rainforest Edition as $20 offerings, so at the price of $29.99 it's a bit steep for the causal crowd on DS, but if you're only going to spring for one of these options, or planning on grabbing one of them first to feel out the concept, go with Rainforest. There are more compelling games, they personally like the visual design a bit more overall, and it's got the same casual feel, and very open, "everything's unlocked" offering. If you can wait until it drops to $20, that's the perfect price for a package of six "flash game" designs on DS. If you're looking to scoop it up for the holidays, they'd rather spend time in the rainforest than out at sea.
Pocket Gamer:
Feeling stressed out by the working week? Casual game developer Kiloo has just the ticket - a calming and relaxing puzzle game.
Zenses Rainforest, a free cryptic game set in a soothing rainforest, has you plonking geometric shapes onto lily pads and collecting falling blocks from waterfalls. The game also has OpenFeint achievements.
GC writes: "Just like Zenses: Ocean, Zenses: Rainforest is targeted to the older audience who need relaxation. However, unlike Ocean, this game doesn't fulfill much relaxation and instead leads to more frustration. The games are more tedious and overall a bit less enjoyable. If you have a lot of patience, though, you may not be as frustrated.
There are 6 minigames and each one varies differently. There is no use of the A and B buttons, only the stylus. Before each game begins there is a tiny description of how to play the game, but many times it is hard to understand what it's trying to say that it is easier to just jump in the game and try it out."
It's all pulled off better than you'd guess, and strikes a definite atmosphere – whether that atmosphere is right for you or not is another question. This is an experience so subdued, it's almost a lullaby. But if you're into that vibe and want something legitimately fresh, see how your senses react to Zenses: Rainforest.
