Originally released on the PSP as Crush, SEGA have ported this title to the Nintendo 3DS that now supports the 3D capabilities of this console. If you thought the PSP experience was a mind bending Escherism, than wait to you play the 3DS version which takes the game to a whole new level... err dimension.

In the game, you play as Danny, a boy who has been trapped inside his own consciousness by a slightly crazy professor whom he agreed to help. Unfortunately when he connects to the computer program called C.R.U.S.H, he becomes trapped and this is where all the strange puzzles and levels come into play.

In essence, Crush 3D is a true 2D platformer that requires the gamer to navigate Danny through various vertigo inspired levels to move blocks, pull switches and perform a rather set number of generic platforming moves. However the 3D aspect of the title assists the player in getting a clearer picture of solving the puzzles and by collecting marbles that are hidden through the gaming world, this will help Danny exit the level. Once you have finished going through his various levels of  his subconscious, freedom awaits our young hero.

However as Danny is inside his own consciences, he does have the ability to manipulate the environment through his crush ability with some help by rotating the camera angle. This ability is the key to the gameplay, especially when a platform or block is just out of reach as Danny can crush these objects towards him in order to give him access to these areas. It's actually quite a clever premise and with that in mind, this title reminds me of the PSP game Echochrome with all the mind bending physics.

Manipulating the camera angle must also be used when you are using your Crush abilities as this helps in solving the puzzles and the levels that you face. However as you progress, things become more and more challenging, especially when the levels start to draw on the inspirations of Escher even more that is mirrored into the gaming architecture. With that said, Crush 3D is definitely not easy but the challenges all have a solution and thank god for YouTube solutions! There is a hint system but sometimes these can be a little vague but it definitely keeps your brain active. Although there is no multiplayer, the game does allow for StreetPass which allows players to share gifts, provided they both own Crush 3D.

Graphically, the title is a little Spartan but the Escher environments look great in 3D and the colour schemes used for your various levels of consciousness works well with the gameplay. I also like how the game throws something unique into the levels like some sort of repressed memory of our young protagonist. Danny is also animated well as are the occasional enemies that await you and there's also some decent special effects and lighting used in the game. I enjoyed the musical score as well, although it does become a little frustrating when your problem solving skills are not working.

In the end, Crush 3D is probably the best puzzle game on the Nintendo 3DS that creates an interesting 2D platformer but with the 3D capabilities of the console. Confusing... a little but does it work? It sure does! With a plethora of interesting and challenging levels plus some wonderful designed gaming environments, although at times a little bland, Crush 3D is an addictive puzzle experience that plays very well on the 3DS, especially with its control system.