Game | | Puyo Pop Fever | Format | | PS2 (version tested), Gamecube, X Box | Publisher: | | Capcom | Release date: | | Out now |
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I've got to admit I'd never heard of this game before so when a copy came my way I was instantly intrigued. My first thought being that a game with a box this colourful deserves further investigation right? Not usually a huge fan of the whole party/puzzle genre (sure, we all remember the heady days of Tetris but does that mean there's a place for games like this on the Ps2?) I was a little dubious. There's no denying this game feels and plays very much like Tetris and seconds in you can't help feeling that you've been here before. That said, to overlook the game on those grounds would be doing It a disservice as it has more going for it. The Puyos are different coloured, squishy shapes that must be rotated and linked together in chains in order to eliminate them from the game. Higher points being awarded the further you let them fall (again, as with Tetris) spotting where to fit the falling Puyos becomes oddly satisfying! With only a handful of single player modes this is probably not one for those of you who seek longevity in a game. The mission mode does add a much-needed diversity and it's here the most fun can be had. I always think games of this type should focus heavily on multiplayers but with only a two player option at hand you cant help feeling that it's somewhat of a missed opportunity. Presentation wise everything feels OK. There's some nice 2D animation and whilst graphically there's certainly nothing here to worry your little black box it does have an endearing quality of its own. I'm always in two minds with games of this kind. (which is two minds more than the rest of the Secret Level team can muster! - Ed) Should I just appreciate them for what they are and enjoy the sheer simplicity of it all (even my arthritic nan could play this). Or should I rant on about developers neither pushing the power of the PS2 or giving us anything we've not seen before. This game probably falls into the first category, as there's some great pick up and play value to be had but ultimately the whole package does feel decidedly shallow. Great for a weekend rent but for £40 quid I think maybe not.
6/10 Thrice Nightly Whiteley | 
