prevent the tiles from stacking up to the top edge. If any column fills completely and the player fails to make room for the next incoming tile above it, the game ends. Strategy Mode Strategy Mode has no timer or coins and begins with a full grid of fuse tiles. The player is given a limited number of matches at the outset, using one every time an unbroken left-to-right path is made. Additional matches fall onto the field after every launch of three or more rockets; once a match appears, the player must collect it within the next three launches before it vanishes. The game ends once all matches are used. Availability The online version of Rocket Mania can be played for free at MSN Games and various other websites, but is limited in levels and extras. The Windows version, Rocket Mania Deluxe, is available as a trial download, with the full version able to be unlocked for a nominal fee. Palm OS and Pocket PC versions are also available. Reception GameZone awarded the Windows version of the title a 9.2 (out of 10) and an "Editor's Choice" award, concluding that it is easy to pick up, addictive, and able to keep one entertained for hours. While the reviewer at GameZone enjoyed the way the difficulty level slowly ramped up, GameSpot felt that the game was a little too simple and that there wasn't any real challenge until the later levels. As such, GameSpot scored the title as only 6.7 (out of 10), although some positives aspects which were noted included an easy control scheme and a decent variety of modes. The editors of Computer Gaming World nominated Rocket Mania for their 2003 "Puzzle Game of the Year" award, which ultimately went to Bookworm. They wrote, "From Bejeweled to Rocket Mania to Zuma, PopCap has constantly found new ways to spell 'addiction.' " References 2003 video games Flash games Palm OS games Windows Mobile Professional games Windows Mobile Standard games PopCap games Puzzle video games Video games developed in Belgium Windows games Single-player video games Video games set in China