You’d think, after all these years, that Minesweeper has evolved as far as conceivably possible. And you're right. Despite self-proclaimed innovators, Mines in Space is the same game today as was introduced decades ago.
However, calling it a simple retread is no insult. Rocketing to outer space doesn't do much to change the fact that this is a familiar game, but it replicates it with enough style and finesse to make the concept seem refreshing and innovative all over again.
You begin with a blank grid. Tapping a square activates it, upon which it either clears or a mine detonates. The goal is to clear the grid and mark those spaces containing mines.
Deductive reasoning and simple mathematics lead the way, challenging you to calculate exactly where each mine lies without setting it off.
Conceptually it's not a difficult game, yet Mines in Space makes an effort to push your mental agility by pitting you against a pretty unforgiving clock. It's a real test of cerebral dexterity in a way that even sudoku and poker would struggle to compete with.
An outer space theme brings aliens and spaceships into the mix, along with some superbly atmospheric B-movie sci-fi sounds and music (not to mention the Muppet-tastic “Miiiines iiiiin spaaaace!” sound sample).
This cheesy, cute presentation coupled with subtle variations on the core game ensure Mines in Space delivers a quality experience.
Joining Classic mode are three other spin-off modes: Imposter, UFO Finder, and Rocket Shuffle.
Imposter presents you with a series of asteroids surrounded by numbers and you're asked to discern which asteroid doesn’t fit the puzzle.
UFO Finder gives you an open grid with all the numbers showing, which you use to find the cloaked alien ships.
Rocket Shuffle is the most unique variant. Here you vertically rotate the grid columns to realign the mixed up puzzle into one that resolves. Immensely difficult to get your head around for sure, but once you do it's a blast.
On top of all this brilliantly straightforward ingenuity is the Final Frontier: a challenge mode that picks from the different game variations as you work your way through the levels.
Among the assembled modes, there’s a remarkable amount of gameplay contained in this old and unadorned premise. The App Store is brimming with ports of all kinds of retro, mobile and console games, but with the likes of Mines in Space blazing a trail of this quality, the bar has been raised to new heights of excellence.
Mines in Space
A simple, aging game brought back to radiant life by outstanding presentation and ingenious variations
Spanner Spencer
Yes. Spanner's his real name, and he's already heard that joke you just thought of. Although Spanner's not very good, he's quite fast, and that seems to be enough to keep him in a regular supply of free games and away from the depressing world of real work.