Lumines - 5/10
Let me start off by saying that I have never been a huge fan of puzzle games. I simply do not have the patience to sit there hour upon hour looking at the same blocks fall into place over and over and over again...but THIS...THIS title has changed my views on block puzzle games completely!
If you're familiar with Tetris then the game isn't anything new. It's your basic block-erase game where a block falls and if it corresponds to the neighbouring blocks a section is erased leaving room for more blocks. The aim is to destroy as many blocks as you can and score the most points possible. If the blocks hit the ceiling of the screen then it's game over. Sounds boring right? Well on the contrary. Lumines revolutionizes the basic concept of blocks completely.
The game is easy to learn but difficult to master. You start off destroying a few blocks and think "this game is far too easy" and then realize your blocks are reaching their limit. Before you know it...you're done for. It takes good reaction time to notice the blocks, where they're supposed to go and which way to turn them. Like I said earlier, I was never a fan of block games but Lumines is something special. I sat there on my couch playing the game for at least 3 hours straight doing the same thing over and over again. One would think "boorriinnggg" but actually it was completely the opposite. The game's simplistic structure makes you want to go back for more after turning it off or keep playing it consistently. The only thing you really need for this game is an alert eye and fast fingers.
On the topic of fingers, the controls for the game are also basic and easy to master. What's good about them is that you only really need the left and right buttons on the D-Pad. There's no strain on your hands while playing because it's not a vigorous motion game like Darkstalkers or Medievil which require a lot of movement on different directions.
The most noticeable aspect of the game is obviously the graphics. The animations are very smooth and the colours bounce everywhere. It's like a rainbow exploded inside your PSP. What I also found appealing was the way the screen changes every so often to tell you that you have proceeded to the next level. The background and block colours seem to fade into each other and then reappear. I don't know if this is an old thing for you block gamers but for a non-blocker like me it was very impressive. I honestly can't find a single problem with the visuals of this game. It's perfect!
Now judging from my graphics review you're probably thinking "well if the graphics are good then the sound must be good also!” Sorry to burst your bubble but the sound was not what I had expected it to be. Like previous puzzle games that I have played, the music was irritating and repetitive. Whenever I play this game I have to turn the sound off because I simply can't concentrate with it on.
But what I found interesting about the music is that it changes completely with each passing level. I remember when the music in Tetris would simply increase in tempo as you progressed through the game. In Lumines the music changes along with the background and block colors. In the end it mixes perfectly to make you feel as you are really playing in another level.
Lifespan is definitely not an issue in this game. If I can turn off a game and then turn it back on 10 minutes later then I know it's a game I'm going to be playing for a while. The game is just far too addictive. Lumines is really a title to be in seen in any PSP gamer's collection. There are so many games out there that you get stuck on and stop playing because you can't be bothered conquering. With Lumines you can always continue to play it despite any obstacles because it's simply fun and not to mention relaxing. A nice game you can sit back and play without stressing over finding the treasure box with the key inside.
All in all, Lumines deserves a whopping 9.5/10 in my books. Rarely so I ever encounter a game that I can truly say is worthy of a 9 or above (aside from the GTA series). The game is thoroughly entertaining and addictive as Coca Cola. It looks fantastic and plays amazingly.
Unfortunately, I found the audio aspect of the game very irritating and bothersome as I couldn't concentrate with that awful music playing in the background. Nonetheless, a game every PSP owner should have. If still in doubt think of it this way; I was never a puzzle lover...but I found this game so compelling that I simply refuse to let anyone near it!
18 Sep 2005
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