Game: Tic Tac Toe World
Genre: Puzzle
System: Steam (Windows)
Developer|Publisher: Emerald Knight Interactive LLC
Controller Support: No
Steam Deck: playable
Price: US $ 2.99 | UK £ 2.49 | EU € 2,99
Release Date: October 28th, 2024
A review code was provided, and many thanks to Emerald Knight Interactive LLC.
Tic Tac Toe World: A Digital Take on a Classroom Classic
Tic Tac Toe World (known as Noughts and Crosses in the UK) takes the timeless game that countless kids and adults have enjoyed on scraps of paper during idle moments and brings it into the digital realm. At an affordable price, this title offers an adequate experience but stumbles in its omission of one essential feature: local multiplayer. Without the option to play with a friend in the same room, the game’s appeal wanes quickly, especially for those looking to relive the competitive spirit of the original game.
Four Game Modes
Tic Tac Toe World features four different game modes that try to expand upon the basic 3×3 formula:
Classic Mode: This is the standard version of Tic-Tac-Toe, in which players alternately place Xs and Os on a 3×3 grid. The goal remains to create a line of three symbols horizontally, vertically, or diagonally. Simple and straightforward, this mode stays true to its traditional roots.
Colour Mode: The standout feature of the collection, Color Mode, introduces a strategic twist. Players use a larger grid where their symbols rotate between three colours: yellow, red, and blue. The goal is still to form lines of three, but the game only ends when the grid is full. If a player matches a line with all the same colour, their points are doubled. This added layer of complexity injects a bit more thought and strategy into the gameplay and keeps it feeling fresh for longer.
Best of 4 Mode: This unconventional mode presents players with six 3×3 grids. Each turn, players place their symbol on one of these boards, and the objective is to win the majority of them (four or more). While it’s an interesting twist, it feels somewhat detached from the core essence of Tic Tac Toe and may not resonate with all players.
Large Map Mode: Similar to Colour Mode, this variation uses an expanded grid. Players strive to create as many lines as possible before the board fills up, adding a new challenge for those who enjoy the standard gameplay but want more space and opportunities for strategic moves.
AI-Only Gameplay
A major drawback of Tic Tac Toe World is the lack of local multiplayer. This oversight is surprising and disappointing for a game based on an inherently social experience. While the game offers three levels of AI difficulty, playing against a computer opponent grows monotonous over time. The inclusion of local multiplayer could have elevated this game, giving it the replay value it desperately needs.
Simple, Lifeless Presentation
Visually, Tic Tac Toe World falls flat. The game’s graphics are basic, with plain grids and uninspired colour palettes. The board design lacks any notable creativity or flair, missing the opportunity to evoke nostalgia by replicating the hand-drawn grids and doodles of school days. Music is relaxing and pleasant enough. Soothing the soul as you settle down to challenge the AI.
Conclusion: A Missed Opportunity
Tic Tac Toe World does its job at a basic level, but it’s not going to knock anyone’s socks off. It’s inexpensive, so if you’re an avid fan of the game and don’t mind playing against an AI, you might find some enjoyment here, especially with the added modes like Colour Mode. However, for most players, this game lacks the features needed to stand out. The absence of local multiplayer makes it hard to recommend, and the lifeless presentation does little to win players over. For a more authentic experience, a simple pen and paper might serve you better.
Final Verdict: I’m Not Sure
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