There's a good chance you played with jigsaw puzzles at some point, trying to find that perfect piece. Namco Bandai's Doodle Fit 2: Around the World captures this experience, as you solve entertaining puzzles on iPhone or iPad.
Doodle Fit 2 is easy to play. You're presented with a puzzle, then given an ample amount of time to complete it by filling in the blanks with available Tetris-like pieces. At first, the puzzles are quite simple, as you move three or four pieces in a few seconds. As you move "around the world" on an interactive map, you unlock even bigger puzzles that will take more time to figure out.
The gameplay works quite well, as you manipulate puzzle pieces on and off a playfield with ease. The game also benefits from a more-than-reasonable hint system, with a few for each level. Eventually, you may find yourself buying hints through in-app purchases, and 25 hints for a dollar is certainly not a bad deal; later, you may even consider plunking down $2.99 to grab the remaining levels.
Then we have the Community menu. Here, you'll be able to solve puzzles created by like-minded gamers, as well as create and upload your own. It's a mostly smooth process, though you'll occasionally run into a bothersome pop-up ad if you prefer to go the free-to-play route.
Considering it's part of the Doodle line-up, the presentation is mostly simple and charming. The graphics have an admirable hand-drawn quality, and the menus are easy to navigate. The music, however, repeats a bit too often. You might want to turn down the volume for this one, lest the elevator style music drive you crazy.
Even with its stale music and pesky ads, Doodle Fit 2: Around the World is a strong addition to your virtual game library. The free-to-play version has plenty to offer - especially with the robust community - and the paid version has even more. This is one world trip you won't regret.
