One thing the PSP has had plenty of is the puzzle game genre. Puzzle games have gone with handhelds since the very beginning when Nintendo put Tetris on the Game Boy. Well, the PSP is following suit with the releases of puzzle games and the folks over at ZOE mode have struck gold with their latest title, Crush.

Crush tells the tale of a young man named Danny, who is suffering from insomnia and goes to a doctor for some professional help. Little did he know what the doctor was going to do with him. In order to help cure his sleepless nights, Dr. Reubens equips him with his “Cognitive Regression Utilizing pSychiatric Heuristics" machine or, Crush.

Crush is a very unique puzzle title because it uses 2D and 3D. Much like Super Paper Mario did on the Wii, Crush uses the switching of 2D to 3D to make you solve the puzzles within the title. However, unlike Super Paper Mario, Crush doesn't limit your use of 2D and 3D for only a quick switch. Crush instead has players change view points from all around the character. Players will be able to switch the camera into a top down position, horizontal, and a number of different ways.

Well now it's time to Crush. The game is played in a dream world. The dream world is made up of blocks positioned on numerous elevations and distances from each other. The only way to complete the puzzles is to discover how to move in different dimensions. To do this you must position the camera correctly so that you can "Crush" (the act of switching from 2D to 3D) and figure out the path you must follow to be successful. Outside of the position of the angle, is the surface of the level itself. The type of surface you stand on will determine what happens after you use Crush. So, basically it means that the position of the camera and the type of surfaces around the character will create ladders, switches, or even put you in a position that wasn't reachable before.

Luckily, this isn't as complicated as it may sound. There may be several gameplay elements that players will have to master in order to progress in later stages such as the uses of boulders, switches, and clear cubes to make things a bit easier for players to complete the puzzles. Luckily, most players will find these elements easy to use and will master them as the game goes on. This is what makes Crush so unique and attractive for players, though. The game offers a lot of obstacles to overcome but at the same time doesn't overkill you with them. It instead pushes players to think a little differently. Each puzzle has a logical solution but coming to that solution may take a bit of unusual thought. So be prepared to think in a whole new way.

When people think of puzzle games, most think of Tetris style games but Crush is anything but Tetris. Crush has players climbing up levels in different dimensions, while killing cockroaches on electric panels, and some really big gaps that seem impossible to get on. Crush offers an entire new view on the puzzle genre.

One of the biggest strengths of Crush is how they use Dr. Reubens and Danny to keep you playing. Despite the puzzles being addictive and a blast to play through, the story is actually interesting. So as Danny discovers why he is suffering from insomnia the levels will get more complex just like the underlying problem that plagues Danny.

As fun and addictive as Crush is, it does have a few problems. While in 3D, the jumping can be very hard to accomplish because Danny's jumping mechanics aren't precise enough to make the jump as safely as you would like. It's also hard at times to see all the obstacles lying within the levels full of blocks. Since the blocks vary at different heights, you can't always get the best view of the level as you would hope. One minor gripe is that some puzzles will take over 30 minutes to fully solve. There is a hint option in case you get stuck and need help, but this is a puzzle game, so stick it out and try to solve it yourself. The later puzzles of the game are played out in a trial and error basis. Players will need to attempt certain things to see if they work out and maybe open up unforeseen paths to victory. This will be a problem for gamers who like to sit back and want to move forward quickly. However, with the gameplay that Crush offers these are all minor shortcomings that hardly shadow all the positives the game offers.

The game has very unique style of graphics to say the least. While in 3D the levels may not have tons of content to them but they fit the style of game very nicely. The game won't win any contests for best graphics, but it definitely has an unique art style that players will appreciate. The game doesn't push the PSP in the graphics department but still over all looks very nice.

Crush is easily one of the most unique puzzle experiences ever created. The game pushes players right at the start in the earliest puzzles and you'll feel a sense of accomplishment right away. Any puzzle game that makes you feel rewarded after finishing the simplest missions is a puzzle game that is bound for greatness. With over 40 puzzles to play through and unlockables to boot, this is an excellent PSP puzzler that all PSP owners should check out. Move aside Lumines and Puzzle Quest; a new king is in town.