Galaxy Express

Between the internet and premium shipping services, government-run postal services are today's proverbial red-headed stepchildren.

The puzzle game Galaxy Express not only optimistically portrays our post office in the distant future, but manages to make traditional strategy a bit more charming than usual.

As the only space mailman currently on duty, your job is to move packages from one point to another in a space craft. Unfortunately, you can't just steer the craft: instead you have to rely on environmental cues and a set of inbuilt rules. Each level has you navigating a grid while avoiding deadly obstacles.

There are two ways to manoeuvre your ship. The easiest way is to let it go towards an obstacle, as the ship will automatically make a right turn. You also have a limited number of arrows that you can place on the grid to force your craft in a particular direction.

Interestingly, the game gives you more arrows than you need. One level may have four arrows available and only need, say, two arrows to complete the mission.

This little twist forces you to really think about the most efficient way to get the job done, especially since the arrows remaining essentially serve as the game score.

Galaxy Express also succeeds at variety, bringing in new obstacles or challenges every five levels. For example, the rowdy, booty-hungry space pirates also turn at every obstacle, but in the opposite direction to you.

It does start to get repetitive after the first dozen or so levels, but the bright visuals, smart level design, and nice challenge make Galaxy Express a good pick for puzzle fans.