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Developers World Championship: Match Report - Finland v Switzerland (Group H)

Zen Bound (Finland) vs Monospace (Switzerland)

Developers World Championship: Match Report - Finland v Switzerland (Group H)
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FINLAND Zen Bound (Secret Exit)

VS SWITZERLAND Monospace (Nonverbal)

With a population of just five million Finland is unarguably one the best pound-for-pound app developing nations on the Planet right now. Indeed, there was some considerable discussion about selection of the final three-game squad, with a host of stars such as Minigore and Shapium missing the final cut.

Hence, it's no surprise that their second match sees the soaraway success that is Rovio's Angry Birds given way to Secret Exit’s equally sublime Zen Bound.

The Finnish developer’s meditation-cum-puzzle game launched on the App Store to a thunderous critical ovation, but we've already seen in these championships that enormous industry acclaim (IMGA winner, IGF finalist) alone is not necessarily sufficient to secure the points.

Switzerland had battled to a creditable draw last Wednesday against the favourites for the football World Champs over in Africa, proving that they weren't to be daunted by reputation alone.

Would Nonverbal’s box of tricks, Monospace, be shouting from the rooftops in Geneva or silently mourning, though, come 5pm?

Kick Off: 3pm, 21st June

The critical view: The organising committee had outdone itself with this fixture as two minimalist, contemplative puzzlers faced off against each other.

As the form book suggested, Finland’s much-lauded rope wrapping game was sculpting chances two-a-penny in the opening stages, the soothing nature of its approach drawing contented 'ahhs' from the seasoned hacks.

Nonverbal’s take on the Sokoban format wasn’t prepared to lie down and surrender, however, proudly displaying its Silver Award wares to the onlooking hordes. Indeed, showing great fortitude and some astonishing dexterity in tight spaces, the Monospace’s simple mechanics conjured up a neatly-conceived first goal, fit for viewing in 2- AND 3D.

The Scandinavians needed to riposte and duly wound their play up another notch, utilising some fancy multi-touch control to set up an opportunity before smoothly striking home the equaliser.

With their zen restored, the Finns looked bound to take the lead and so it proved just three minutes later, laying on some truly gorgeous visual moves unlike anything else seen in the tournament to open the Swiss defense. In fact, it could have been the goal of the tournament if the final ball hadn't deflected in off the back-side of a wooden rhino, but it was 2-1 nevertheless.

As the half drew to a close the critical appreciation increased to a crescendo and Secret Exit played their trump card, opening the trophy cabinet to unleash a staggering collection of silver and glassware.

The sheer volume of adoration was too much for Nonverbal's defence and a wide range of cups, blocks, and certificates conspired to set up an unmissable opening that was ultimately crowned at the near post, by that most coveted Pocket Gamer Award for most innovative game.

Whilst the Swiss certainly hadn't played badly and set up a host of promising attacks themselves, in the critics' eyes they were ultimately outclassed, leaving the Finns to stroll serenely back to the dressing room with a commanding lead at the interval.

Half time: Finland 3 – 1 Switzerland The Fans’ 45: The supporters of both teams packed the stadium in the second half, hoping to urge their team on to glory.

The Swiss were first to show and a fan-fuelled rocket in appreciation for Monospace's 60 levels of sokoban-style challenge brought the scores back to 3-2 and threatened to re-ignite the competition after Zen Bound's impressive first-half showing.

However, the Finn's never really looked unduly ruffled and only five minutes later were holding aloft their paper lanterns and unleashing an enthusiastic chant of ohm to spur their side back into a two-goal lead via a curling shot into the top corner.

After that the Nonverbal fans seemed to sense the game was up and, with their opponents clearly feeling it was a case of job-done, the match slowed into a more contemplative display of keep-ball in the final quarter with few clear cut chances for either side.

The match ended as the pundits had predicted, with an ultimately comfortable win for Secret Exit's side. Indeed you sensed that Zen Bound still had plenty in reserve having not needed to call on either its Platinum Award or 76 levels during the match.

As for the group tables, with six points on the board, Finland were sure of their place in the next round, but the Swiss would need a decisive victory to keep their hopes alive.

Full time: Finland 4 – 2 Switzerland Latest Group Tables - Fixtures & Voting - Squads

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Richard Brown
Richard Brown
With a degree in German up his sleeve Richard squares up to the following three questions every morning: FIFA or Pro Evo? XBox 360 or PS3? McNulty or Bunk?