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Science is typically seen as one of those subjects that only “nerdy people” enjoy. That stereotype has started to change in the last few years. More and more people are realizing that science doesn’t have to be some old dudes in white lab coats. Science can be really fun, and games like Atomas drive that point home.
Atomas, by Sirnic, is a puzzle game that uses scientific elements. Your job is to create valuable elements such as gold, platinum, and silver. All you have to start with is a hydrogen atom, but in no time at all you’ll be creating bigger and better things. The good news is you don’t have to be physicist or chemist to understand this game. Anyone can pick it up in just a few seconds.
To play Atomas you have to combine matching elements. Every element has an atomic number, and when combined they create the element with the next higher atomic number. For example, when you combine two Lithium atoms (3) you’ll get one Beryllium (4). The goal is to get the element with the highest atomic number you can before the board gets too crowded.
Here’s how it works. A few random elements are arranged in a circle. At the center of that circle is another random element, or a (+) or (-) icon. You can tap anywhere in the circle to place the new element in that spot. The (+) icon can be placed between two matching elements to combine them, but you can combine more than just two at a time. If you create a symmetrical pattern of elements, and then place the (+) at the center you can combine multiples.
The (-) icon can be used to move an element into a different position, or transform it into a (+) icon. Once the circle is completely full of elements, and there is no room for new ones, the game is over. At your disposal is “antimatter” that can be used to clear half of the circle, but these are only available via an in-app purchase.
Along with the standard mode that I just described, there is Time Attack and Alchemist mode. In Time Attack, you are tasked with creating as big of an element as you can in the allotted time. Every time you combine elements you get a few more seconds. Alchemist mode is for serious players. You have to create all 118 existing elements, and a few new ones created by the developer.
Atomas is a really well designed and addictive game. You can log in with Google Play Games and compete with your friends to get the high score. If you don’t have time to finish a game you can easily stop and continue at a different time. We can’t help but feel like Atomas would have made high school science class much more enjoyable (and maybe there wouldn’t be so many science errors in this review). Download Atomas for free from the Play Store here.
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