Pandora's Box (Jewel Case)

by Microsoft

Product Features

• Visually beautiful puzzle-solving game
• Includes over 400 puzzles from the creator of Tetris, Alexey Pajitnov
• Travel around the world as you solve puzzles, capture the Tricksters, and restore order to Pandora's Box
• Ten puzzle types with five difficulty levels
• For 1 player

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: B000124FW6
• Media: CD-ROM
• Release Date: December 16, 2003
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (28 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #28,483 in Video Games (See Top 100 in Video Games)

Product Description

This special reissue in honor of the puzzle game's awards and critical acclaim features an enhanced, expanded version of the original release. Players follow the storyline through locations around the world, solving unique 3D puzzles and attempting to recapture history's seven great Tricksters who have escaped from Pandora's box. Designed by Tetris creator Alexey Pajitnov, this Game of the Year version of Pandora's Box features a few new puzzles in addition to all of the challenges found in the original release of the game.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

44 of 44 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars More than puzzles..., February 9, 2005

By 

Jet Jaguar - See all my reviews

= Fun:5.0 out of 5 stars 

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

There are enough different kinds of visual puzzles in this game to provide something for every puzzler. But it's more than that... there is a story! It isn't the kind of game that calls itself an adventure game but then sends you into a frustrating series of sliders and mazes... it makes no bones about its nature.

But it does have a premise: You, the player, are searching for a group of mischievous characters to return them to Pandora's Box. They have scattered to the four winds and can be found hiding in the mythology of a variety of cultures. Only through searching through famous artifacts, landmarks, and works of art from these cultures can you find characters like Anansi, Puck, Eris, and others, and return them to the box. With each one you are told the legend behind the character and hear pleasant, culturally appropriate music as you work the puzzle. It's not the kind of music that repeats a small, unnatural chunk of tune that drives you crazy, like some games do. You might be humming it later but you don't mind.

I never thought a puzzle game could be so immersive. There's also a lot to be learned in it about world cultures and art. A pleasant education, mind you.

26 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Something to keep the brain cells working!, December 23, 2003

By A Customer

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

Pandora's Box is a puzzle game. It doesn't shoot things, kill things, or escape from demons or monsters. It is simply a game of hundreds and hundreds of puzzles of growing complexity. The easiest levels start with simple puzzles. You re-arrange pieces in a circular puzzle where pieces slide. Another puzzle is overlaying pieces to complete the puzzle. A third puzzle is stacking slices together to create a whole object. A fourth type is filling in the outlines of objects. There are several more types, but they get harder and harder. The backgrounds begin to spin. The pieces are of varying sizes. It just keeps morphing into harder and harder levels. If you are into thinking and evolving, this game is for you. If you are into mindless shooting and running, try something else. This game can be addictive. It is especially fun to work together if you are working with a younger child or adult. The fun of solving a puzzle together is part of the joy of this game. It's a shame that it isn't easily found anymore. It will require a patch from MIcrosoft if you are running XP, but it only takes about a minute to get it and install it. It is worth the effort.

22 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars So glad to see this game still in production!, September 28, 2005

By 

MIA (Palm Springs, CA) - See all my reviews

= Fun:5.0 out of 5 stars 

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

I bought this game a few years back and got this one to replace it. The puzzles are very challenging and diverse. I am not sure what version some reviewers are basing their ratings on, but this game does not require the CD to be in the drive if you do the full installation. One other plus is that you can download bonus puzzles from Microsoft.