While it's too early to declare Play Kalei the most innovative puzzle game of 2011, it is without question a potential candidate. Chillingo surveyed the App Store competition (a mess of match-three and block falling rip-offs) and created something wholly original, a game that definitely stands apart from anything we've seen.
Chris Buffa (Modojo)
This 99-cent puzzler by Chillingo, the king of the genre thanks to Angry Birds, is a far simpler challenge where the player finger-drags a virtual kaleidoscope around a picture until it matches the pattern as seen through the scope of a charming little animated dweeb who resembles mumbling Milton Waddams from “Office Space” and acts as your tutor.
AppSmile: Play Kalei, Chillingo’s new hidden object game with a twist, is now available from the app store. Using a series of static images and simple drag-to-match controls, Play Kalei can be played as both a relaxing experience or a frantic speed challenge.
Gamezebo: Hidden object games have always been a little hit or miss for me. I typically enjoy them at the start, but over time grow bored once I learn the designers tricks and know what to look for. Also, there’s rarely reason for replay, leaving these games as a one time play experience.
