Tiger Eye

Passionfruit Games has just released Tiger Eye: Curse of the Riddle Box, the first PC video game based on Marjorie M. Liu's novel, Tiger Eye.

I've been looking forward to the release this game for a bunch of reasons, including the fact that I am a devoted follower of Marjorie's Dirk & Steele novel series. But I have to admit, I'd already assumed that I wouldn't be able to actually play it myself . I've tried exactly one video game in my life and never made it past level one; solitaire and pinball are more my speed. It's also been my experience that video game playing requires superior motor skills, lots of time to practice, and a much younger, hip frame of mind -- none of which I possess. Honestly, I planned to pass it along to the kids.

I am delighted to report that Tiger Eye is eminently playable and genuinely fun, even for a pinball-era gimp like me. You're not required to run around fighting in the street or ripping out your opponent's spine; instead you face a series of fun and very interesting puzzles, riddles and problem-solving challenges that you work through on different levels as the game follows the story in the novel. Intelligence and common sense are your best allies when you play this game. Speaking as a handicapped user, I think it's extremely user-friendly for folks like me who have limited dexterity, as all of the play is point-and-click with the mouse.

The game graphics are terrific; the narrators' voices are perfect for the characters they portray, and I enjoyed the soundtrack so much I'm going to purchase it. There's also options to get hints on how best to solve the challenges, a orb that guides you when you can't find something, and timed bonus levels to add points to your score. The thing I liked most was the ever-changing degree of difficulty; the challenges ranged from simple to very tough, and the mix kept me on my toes and involved (this bicycle chain challenge is one that finally stumped me on my first try, but I'm going back next time to kick its evil twisty ass.)

As a mom who routinely drops thirty to fifty bucks on video games for her kids, I also appreciate Passionfruit Game's prices. You can purchase the basic game for as low as $6.99, or choose an upgraded version that comes with extra bonus bits and perks (I preordered the middle/premium $9.99 version.) Mac users, you have to wait until next month for your version, but it's worth it. I know Marjorie's readership will love how the game follows the story of the novel, but I don't think you have to be a Dirk & Steele fan to enjoy playing it. Be warned, though, it will probably make you want to read the novel.

To purchase and download Tiger Eye: Curse of the Riddle Box, head over to the order page here.