Item: Joining Hands
Rating: 89
Author: Dinsun

Our Expert Score

89/100

Joining Hands is one of the most charming and heartwarming puzzle games on the App Store. You are introduced to the Peablins, adorable little forest dwellers who believe that holding hands keeps the Bogeyman away. The core mechanic is elegantly simple: drag and drop the Peablins on a hexagonal grid so that every single hand is held. It starts off as a relaxing, 'mellow' experience, but as you progress, it introduces new Peablins with unique traits—some have multiple hands, some can't move, and some have very specific requirements.

The game strikes a perfect balance between accessibility and challenge. It never feels frustrating because there are no timers or enemies; it’s all about the logic and the 'aha!' moment when the final hand click into place. The art style is beautiful, with vibrant colors and expressive character designs that make the Peablins feel truly alive. With over a hundred levels and a steady stream of new mechanics, it’s a 'handtastic' puzzler that stays fresh from start to finish.

Dinsun reviewed on: Sun May 26 2024

The Game

Available on: iPhone, iPad, iPod

436105486

$2.99 4+★4.8 33 reviews

Author : 10tons Ltd

Pubish Date : Wed May 25 2011

Last Update Date : Tue Nov 20 2018

Support Languages : English

Genres :

Version 1.4.4Tue Nov 20 2018

Added support for iPhone X, XR, XS and XS Max, and iPad Pro (3rd Gen)
A handtastic puzzle that leaves no hand behind! Full of charm, innovation and originality, but very easy to learn!
Starts off as enjoyably mellow, with the later levels offering a perky challenge for those who yearn it.
REVIEWS
"With a simple premise of leaving no hand untouched, this game gradually increases in difficulty while never losing its undeniable charm."
- USA Today
"Joining Hands offers a new idea, and one that works really well on the iPhone or iPad's touchscreen."
- pocketgamer.co.uk
"Rounding out this delightful title are Retina quality graphics, plus enjoyable animations, sounds, and music."
- appadvice.com
"Joining Hands will have a place on my iPad and iPod touch for quite some time."
- gamezebo.com 4.5/5
"The gameplay is virtually flawless and the concept is fresh and habit forming."
- sahgeekmom.com 4.5/5
"All in all, Joining Hands is a unique puzzler that’s ideal for people who like to ponder. It’s packed with hours of content, polish and charm. I highly recommend it."
- thesmartphoneappreview.com
- Featured in the "Innovative Gameplay" category on the iTunes App Store!
MEET THE PEABLINS
Enter the Whispering Woods and meet the Peablins! Peablins are curious little creatures sharing a common belief: Hold hands with your friends and the Bogeyman won't dare to show up. It has worked as long as anyone can remember, so it must be true.
Join the Peablins on their quest to find all their siblings and cousins!
GAMEPLAY
Drag and drop Peablins so that everyone is holding hands. Some Peablins have more hands than others... Leave no hand behind!
FEATURES
- No time limits, no enemies, no pressure
- Innovative, elegant and easy to learn
- Fun and suitable for all ages
- Supports the 2012 iPad (3rd gen) Retina display
- Several kinds of Peablins requiring unique approaches
- Hilarious sound effects
- More than a hundred levels
- Compete with your friends on Game Center leaderboards
Trailer: http://youtu.be/40SfoJU0-ig
Gameplay intro: http://youtu.be/PrmN8AJBiZ8
Requires iOS 8.0 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.
A handtastic puzzle that leaves no hand behind! Full of charm, innovation and originality, but very easy to learn!
Starts off as enjoyably mellow, with the later levels offering a perky challenge for those who yearn it.
REVIEWS
"With a simple premise of leaving no hand untouched, this game gradually increases in difficulty while never losing its undeniable charm."
- USA Today
"Joining Hands offers a new idea, and one that works really well on the iPhone or iPad's touchscreen."
- pocketgamer.co.uk
"Rounding out this delightful title are Retina quality graphics, plus enjoyable animations, sounds, and music."
- appadvice.com
"Joining Hands will have a place on my iPad and iPod touch for quite some time."
- gamezebo.com 4.5/5
"The gameplay is virtually flawless and the concept is fresh and habit forming."
- sahgeekmom.com 4.5/5
"All in all, Joining Hands is a unique puzzler that’s ideal for people who like to ponder. It’s packed with hours of content, polish and charm. I highly recommend it."
- thesmartphoneappreview.com
- Featured in the "Innovative Gameplay" category on the iTunes App Store!
MEET THE PEABLINS
Enter the Whispering Woods and meet the Peablins! Peablins are curious little creatures sharing a common belief: Hold hands with your friends and the Bogeyman won't dare to show up. It has worked as long as anyone can remember, so it must be true.
Join the Peablins on their quest to find all their siblings and cousins!
GAMEPLAY
Drag and drop Peablins so that everyone is holding hands. Some Peablins have more hands than others... Leave no hand behind!
FEATURES
- No time limits, no enemies, no pressure
- Innovative, elegant and easy to learn
- Fun and suitable for all ages
- Supports the 2012 iPad (3rd gen) Retina display
- Several kinds of Peablins requiring unique approaches
- Hilarious sound effects
- More than a hundred levels
- Compete with your friends on Game Center leaderboards
Trailer: http://youtu.be/40SfoJU0-ig
Gameplay intro: http://youtu.be/PrmN8AJBiZ8

Ratings & Reviews

4.8 out of 5 with 33 Counts

★★★★★

Age Rating 4+

Features

Over 100 levels of clever puzzles

Relaxing gameplay with no time limits

Adorable characters and hilarious sound effects

Universal support for iPhone and iPad

Innovative hexagonal grid mechanics

Tips

Managing the Multi-Handed

Focus on placing the Peablins with the most hands first, as they are the hardest to satisfy. Use 'corner' spots for Peablins with fewer hands to minimize the number of connections they need to make. If you get stuck, try moving the stationary Peablins' neighbors first to see how the connections flow.

Gameplays

New Friends

As you advance, you'll encounter new species like the 'Glooblin' or the 'Elder.' Each requires a different tactical approach, turning the simple act of holding hands into a complex logic puzzle.