Puddle

Editor's note: these impressions were taken from the demo version of "Puddle."

For casual gamers, there are few things more exciting than free demos and reasonably priced downloads—praise be to Poseidon.

Based purely on physics, "Puddle" encompasses the concept through its seamlessly simple controls. Players guide their puddles from point A to point B by shifting the environment around it using either the shoulder buttons, or—optionally on the PS3—a Move controller, or the controller's six-axis capability.

Players begin each level with a massive amount of liquid in their puddles. While navigating between the two points, a meter monitors the amount of liquid lost. If the amount of liquid drops below a red line on the meter, it's time to start over.

Crossing the finish line with some or all of the puddle intact rewards the player with gold, silver, or copper ratings based on how long it took and how much liquid remains.

As the game progresses, liquids change from inert substances like water, to highly explosive ones like nitroglycerin. Along with the addition of obstacles like fire and circular saws, the difficulty ramps up quickly.

It can get frustrating. In the "propellant" level of the rocket chapter, the fast-paced action became overwhelming at points. My attempts numbered in the double digits faster than I could understand the objective.

But don't fret, Aquaman. "Puddle" offers relief by providing players the option to "whine and skip" that seemingly impassable level and move on to the next. Players only get two "skips," though they can be recovered by returning and completing the levels that were skipped.

On the outside, "Puddle" is stunning. Similar to Japan Studios' "Patapon," "Puddle's" exuberant use of hues, the blackest of black and its trance-like melodies engulf players into an interactive, acid-tripping, physics class reminiscent of "Bill Nye the Science Guy."

So go out and start that head trip now. While the demo is perfect for getting your feet wet, at $9.99 (800 Microsoft Points) this game is sure to make a splash.