Microsoft Pandora's Box

by Microsoft

Product Details

• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S. and to APO/FPO addresses. For APO/FPO shipments, please check with the manufacturer regarding warranty and support issues.
• ASIN: B00001LDC1
• Media: CD-ROM
• Release Date: September 1, 1999
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (46 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #11,610 in Video Games (See Top 100 in Video Games)
• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes

Product Description

Amazon.com Review

When Alexey Pajitnov, creator of Tetris (one of the most addicting games of all time), designs a new puzzle title, fans everywhere perk their heads up and take note. While it's not quite up to the irresistible standard set by its legendary predecessor, Microsoft's Pandora's Box still offers hours of nonviolent, uncomplicated enjoyment through its 10 different puzzles.

Nearly all Pandora's Box conundrums resemble the traditional jigsaw puzzle, though you'll find plenty of visual twists, such as sliding pieces on a circular plane and solving a puzzle built on a complex 3-D object. Some deviate from this formula, but the most addictive puzzles follow this model, and those provide the most extended--and replayable--diversions.

For those overwhelmed by complex computer games, Pandora's Box's offers a simplistic interface and easy rules, easing computer novices into the puzzle environment. Pandora's Box's five difficulty levels and 350 individual puzzle variations offer enjoyment for all skill levels. Furthermore, various hints and wild cards remove the frustration factor when you're unable to complete a particular puzzle. Looking for new puzzle games to replace your Tetris addiction? Check out Alexey Pajitnov and Microsoft's engrossing Pandora's Box. --Doug Radcliffe

Product Description

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

92 of 93 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Pandora's Pentagon, February 22, 2000

By 

Shawn Weil - See all my reviews

This review is from: Microsoft Pandora's Box (CD-ROM)

Pandora's Box is a engrossing, entertaining puzzle game. It kept me occupied for hours, and made time flow at twice the regular rate (or so it seemed). The puzzle types were unique, original, and for the most part fun. Here are some pros and cons:

PROS:

* Puzzles are presented in a game format. There is always a larger reason to finish a puzzle - to progress through the levels.

* Levels become more challenging. It took me almost three hours to finish the final level.

* Hints and Free Puzzles are plentiful. If you don't like a puzzle type, you don't have to do it. If your stuck, you can use a hint.

* The 3D aspect of the puzzles was really neat-o.

* When you are done, there are still puzzles left to do. The game includes 350 puzzles, and I still had 125 left when I was done. The fun continues.

CONS:

* Perhaps this was just my video card, but some of the puzzles seemed dark - so dark that I couldn't see where I was placing puzzle pieces.

* Some of the puzzles rotate, and require fine mouse movements to complete. If you have a physical impairment, you may have trouble.

* I thought a few (2) of the ten puzzle types were rather lame. All luck and little thought. But that may be just me.

All in all, this is a great game for all puzzle fans. I definitely recommend it - if you have time you want to lose.

81 of 82 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Challanging, non-violent, and addicting!, November 27, 1999

By 

Gentle Reader (Morrisville, PA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Microsoft Pandora's Box (CD-ROM)

Yesterday, I visited some friends who were in the midst of a four-day gaming party. A laptop was open and it had Pandora's Box on it (one of the gamers, Lee, was an artist on the 3-D puzzles). Not being a part of the on-going D&D game, I spent the next three hours (or was it four) unravelling the first level. It was midnight before I could be torn away from it! I haven't liked a computer game since Tetris. I hate the blow-it-up stuff, and Myst just takes too long. Pandora's Box has the beauty of Myst, the immediate gratification of Tetris, and an appreciate lack of bombs and body parts. Now I have to get a PC emulater for my Mac. Drat!

104 of 107 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great fun, great challanges!, November 28, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Microsoft Pandora's Box (CD-ROM)

I've read reviews saying Pandora's Box wasn't aimed at young children, but my 7 YO twins can't get enough of the challanging puzzles in this game. For visual learners, this is a real delight. I wonder sometimes WHOSE young kids reviews are aimed at, because this is definately the best software purchase I've made in years. Most kids software is fun for a few hours, and then is tossed aside. My kids have been playing Pandora's Box for more than a month now, and are nowhere near the end, nor are they bored. They fight over who gets to solve the next puzzle! This is a real winner in our house!