2nd Op By

Brad Gallaway 8.0 RATING

I first fell in love with Puyo Pop when it was known as Kirby's Avalanche way back on the SNES, and it's been a favorite ever since. (This game has been around for years and years under one title or another, though it's more well-known in Japan.) One reason behind my affection for the little colored blobs is that I see Puyo Pop as a flawless example of the correct way to design puzzlers. The core essence of the experience is utterly pure, yet it can be played with deep, elegant strategy that rewards quick fingers and even quicker thinking. Like Chess, Puyo Pop is one of those classics that takes a minute to learn and a lifetime to master.

Gene's done a fine job on his review, and there's really not much I can add. Puyo Pop is the not the kind of game that you can talk about at great length (a trait common to the entire puzzle genre, really). The game just is, and you're either with it or you're not. I definitely count myself on the side of being with it, and I'd bet that the vast majority of puzzle game fans who give it a chance it will be, too.

As for the game's flaws, there just aren't any. There's not a single thing wrong with this game; no rough spots or missteps that bring the cart down in any way. It may not be the type of mindblowing title that will change your perspective on life, but I'll be damned if I can poke any holes in it. We're talking solid as the proverbial rock here, people. For gamers who like their puzzles on the go, Puyo Pop is an essential purchase. (And for those who don't own a Game Boy but still want to check it out, Sonic Mega Collection for the GameCube comes with Dr. Robotnik's Mean Bean Machine, virtually the exact same game with a few cosmetic changes.)

Public Opinion

John Isles, iv 8.5 Rating

Déjà vu, man. Brad and I were both treated to the Puyo Puyo formula during the 16-bit age of gaming. The number of hours I spent on Dr. Robotnik's Mean Bean Machine on the Genesis is higher than I can count. And I have reasons for that: It was a rare taste of competitive puzzle gaming for solo players. But the formula worked in more ways than one—underneah a seemingly shallow concept hid a game that required strategy and planning.

Zero has been left out from Gene and Brad's reviews. Personally, I would have been disappointed, maybe even appalled, if this were just another attempt to cash in on (insert well-known American franchise here). Several members of the Japanese cast—including Arle and rival Draco-Centaur, et. al.—hit me as likable characters, and the cornball story even made me smile.

If I had any complaints about Puyo Pop, it just fails to bring anything new and substantial to the formula, aside from various garbage Puyo. I don't care—it's still great gaming. It may be the same Mean Bean Machine and Kirby's Avalance games from 199x, Puyo Pop is the way it should be experienced, complete with a delicious Japanese flavor. (Besides, Draco-Centaur is pretty cute.)

Reader Second Opinions