Over the years, Bridge Construction Set has gone through a variety of names and versions, beginning with a widely-distributed freeware demo. But with Bridge It, this cult puzzle favorite has finally progressed to the big time. And with a little luck, Bridge It will do for bridge-building what Rollercoaster Tycoon did for amusement parks.

Bridge It is a unique collaborative effort between two companies: California-based developer Chronic Logic handled the game design, while Australian-based graphics designer Auran contributed the graphical horsepower. The basic goal behind Bridge It is simple: using the basic principles of physics, players construct a functional bridge across a deep canyon. But thanks to a snazzy interface, the game isn't as complex as it sounds; players can place nodes and girders with just a mouse click or two. Ultimately, the goal is to construct a cheap, resilient bridge that can withstand the stresses of test vehicles. As the challenges increase, players must adapt to longer canyons and heavier vehicles, while learning how to construct draw bridges and suspension bridges.

In the graphics department, Bridge It is a staggering improvement over its predecessor. The vibrant outdoor environments boast breathtaking realism, and range from lush forests to eerily empty deserts. But to witness Bridge It in all its visual splendor, you'll need a GeForce FX-series video card. (Although the GeForce 4 Ti line will also perform well, minus some high-end effects.) The game lets the GeForce FX's powerful shader engine really flex its muscles, especially in the shimmering water and real-time shadow effects. Graphics enthusiasts should also note that Bridge It renders hundreds of thousands of polygons per second, bringing the game's visual fidelity a big step closer to CGI-rendered films like Finding Nemo and Monsters, Inc.

Sure, it looks fantastic, but Bridge It isn't just a fancy new paint job. Gameplay-wise, Bridge It offers more features than its predecessor, Bridge Construction Set. Most notably, Bridge It boasts extra levels and test vehicles, plus a new earthquake simulator. Chronic Logic has also spent plenty of time optimizing the user interface, allowing novices to more easily erect their structural masterpieces. All these additions add up to a more enjoyable experience for the player.

Will Bridge It attract a whole new breed of puzzle fans? We'll see when the game is released later this Fall.