When comparing Pixel Defenders Puzzle vs Strata, the Slant community recommends Strata for most people. In the question“What are the best puzzle games for Android?” Strata is ranked 4th while Pixel Defenders Puzzle is ranked 22nd. The most important reason people chose Strata is:
The game scales to any resolution so you can have it in a window on the side.
Specs
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Pros
Pro Able to be played offline
Pixel Defenders Puzzle allows for the user to play while there is no internet connection, making for a good game to play when there is none.
Pro More strategy than a regular match 3 title
Pixel Defenders Puzzle asks for quite a bit of strategy from the player creating a much deeper game than what is expected from the outlook.
Pro Endless mode for casual play
There is an optional endless mode that removes the enemies from play which makes the gameplay a lot more casual though a bit pointless.
Pro Supports flexible window resolutions
The game scales to any resolution so you can have it in a window on the side.
Pro Addictive gameplay that steadily increases in difficulty
While the gameplay starts out as being quite straightforward (therefore easing the player into the game), the difficulty does build as one continues to play.
Pro Original design and gameplay
The minimalistic look of the game as well as the way the gameplay works is quite original while still staying intuitive.
Pro 2D minimalistic "weaving" that requires thinking in 3d
While represented in 2D the puzzle solving aspect of the game requires thinking in terms of "levels" as one would while weaving.
Cons
Con Pixel art limits needed information
The pixel art used in game can be nice to look at but it does limit how much information can be utilized on screen. This leaves players to tap on all enemies to find out there stats, which are needed to make informed moves in game.
Con Too easy if you figure out the pattern
The pattern behind the puzzles isn't the simplest, but if you can figure it out, you can solve any of the puzzles quickly.
Con Includes in app purchases
Strata is an upfront paid game at $2.99 which is why it is disappointing to see that in app purchases later apply.
Con No level generator
Even though the levels could easily be automatically generated, there is no level generator.
Con Short
The game can be beaten in about six and a half hours, which is really not all that long for a PC game. Of course originally this was a mobile phone game, which shows its roots in the length.