Mosaics Galore is a port of a fantasy themed jigsaw game. Originally, this game was only available on the App Store. However, the game is available on a variety of digital platforms. This review in particular is based on the Steam version.
Content wise with regards to the port there have been some additions to the game. The only new addition is trading cards. However the only changes to the game made have been in the removal of micro transactions in game. Due to the fact that on the appstore version you have the option to pay for coins earned in game to buy hints/skip worlds. I welcome the removal of micro transactions as you have to pay for the game on steam. Technically however there are no changes between the 2 versions as far as I can find out.
Gameplay wise Mosaics Galore is a drag and drop Mosaic style jigsaw game. The gameplay to this game is not dissimilar other games that I have reviewed particularly Alice’s Patchwork. However technically this game is worse as you cannot click a piece and then click it into place. I also think that this game is less accessible as it has no relaxed mode. This means the game’s target demographic, which includes younger players and casual gamers, is unlikely to find enjoyment in the game. Mainly because there is a time limit, and some levels impose more rigorous a time limit.
It also seems that this game hasn’t had any form of testing onto it prior to its release. Since this game does have a bug that locks out the magister area even if you have enough keys. Even though 200 keys are enough to open the location, it won’t be open if you get the required amount. This is because; you unlock the final level by spending 190,000 coins. However, using coins shouldn’t be necessary. Mostly because it’s what you are expecting when you fulfil the quota to unlock the final objective in the game.
This game is also an asset flip from Mahjong Magic Journey. I noticed this on many fronts. Visually speaking I noticed that many assets from Mahjong Magic Journey are reused in this game. The most notable assets are the creatures, which are featured on the location menu.  Even the music is the same music from Mahjong Magic Journey. Even the story isn’t any different except for the comic strip at the start of the game. Additionally, I find it annoying that the game features in-game trophies (achievements) which are available. Yet the in game trophies aren’t available as Steam achievements.
As previously stated this game does have a story about saving magical pets from imprisonment. However, the story is only brought up briefly at the start of the game. As the game shows a comic strip that features a female mage and a dwarf chasing a mage that has captured animals. Outside of this there is no story in the game. There aren’t even slides of artwork or even animated cut scenes that is related to what is going on in the story at the end of each location.
Inevitably I cannot recommend this game for many reasons. My main issue with this game is that there is little to no changes from its original release to steam as the only adaption is the inclusion of trading cards.
