Osmos

My computer gaming in January has consisted of Insectoid, Halo, and the surprisingly awesome Osmos. Osmos is a puzzle game which reminded me of Tasty Planet, but with a more laid-back vibe and soundtrack to go with it. You control a mote and try to absorb other smaller motes. In the process your mote grows larger.

In Osmos, there are three different kinds of levels: ambient, sentient, and force. The ambient levels were the most straightforward. You control a mote and try to absorb other smaller motes. In the process your mote grows larger. The sentient levels follow the same basic game mechanic. The other motes are active, however. They will compete with you and chase you as prey. Finally, there are the force levels, which I found the most difficult. There are motes that produce gravitational effects. Most of the force levels are an exercise in orbital physics and require a great deal of patience. I have yet to finish all of the force levels.