Developer: SCEI Publisher: SCEI Release Date: 1-31-97 (JP) 9-30-97 (US)

Think You’re Smart?

I remember being so addicted to this back in the day. I was in college and my good friend Zac and I used to get trashed and play this for hours on end. Seriously. This was considered to be the Tetris-killer when it first came out.

Of course now nobody remembers what the hell this game is. But hey.

Anyways.

For a lot of people IQ was the first foray into 3D puzzle games. Not that it couldn’t have been done in a 2D format mind you. But what better way to show off the massive graphical prowess of the fledgling PS1 than by making even puzzle games 3D “that’s how cool we are, people…duh!!”.

The premise was simple: destroy all necessary blocks or die trying. A group of blocks would slowly come towards you (the pace would quicken and the difficulty rose) the player would then place bombs where a block would be. As the block landed on the booby trapped square you would press X and it would disappear in a flash of light. Clear the level – move on. Fail and you’re trampled by a group of blocks. See? Simple.

The strategy came from different kinds of blocks. Green blocks would open up a nine-block detonation zone to really clear out some area – ahh but you can’t see the whole zone…just the center icon. This can screw you up really bad if your frustrated – so relax. Black blocks could but shouldn’t be destroyed. If they were then a row of ledge you’re standing on would fall away. After a few black blocks bite it, you find yourself falling into an abyss screaming like a bitch – which was (is?) hilarious by the way. If you clear a level without destroying any black blocks however, you would be rewarded with another row to stand on. Whoo!!

Needless to say that once in the higher difficulty levels green and black blocks done get along so well and should avoid interaction at all times. This is especially true during dinner parties where the green block constantly forgets that the black blocks mother is actually missing a leg and therefore cannot dance the aforementioned jig.

Anyways.

The odd thing is that there really isn’t much more to say beyond that. Depending on how far you get and your accuracy once you’ve gotten there the game will give you a score in the form of an IQ. Hence the name of the game yeah?

It is worth saying that the game gets insanely difficult on even the mid levels. Most people won’t have the patience to fight through to the really high end parts. It’s OK though. When things get boring you can always make your own puzzles. Which was an incredible feature at the time.

So there you have it. If you don’t already have a copy picking one up might be a bit of a task. Apparently they’ve become quite the collectible. But if you do get your hands on one I suggest you have at it.

You’ll be surprised how stupid the game thinks you are. Bastard.

Durka!!

Then: 8.5 out of 10 Now: 8 out of 10