Lumines Plus

Ok, let me start this review by stating that I have not played the PSP versions of the Lumines games. My main reason for buying this was due to having the mobile phone version of the game which is highly addictive and good fun, so I was really looking forward to having the full version of the game on PS2.

The core gameplay will certainly provide some hours of fun for anyone who hasn't played the game. The concept is simple, you just have to drop your blocks to create squares of four of the same colour. There is a kind of free form soundtrack with the basic music in the background and everything that happens on screen creates a musical sound effect. There are a few (though not enough IMO) game modes: Challenge mode, where you just keep playing till you run out of space. Single skin mode which is the same as challenge mode but without the changing backgrounds and music. Puzzle mode where you have to make a set shape using the blocks, these get more complex as you complete them. Also a Vs CPU and 2 player mode, both are the same just one is against the computer, one is against a second player.

First thing that strikes you is the game area is really quite small. Instead of using the whole of the screen, or close to it, it uses an area about 60% the size of the screen in the centre. The visibility of the game area is made worse by the colours of some of the background themes. For example, you can be playing with a mostly green and brown background, and your blocks will be green and brown also. They just aren't vivid enough to stand out at times. Combined with the small game area and flashes and effects that are regularly going on in the background means there are occasionally moments when you just can't see your blocks. This just adds an unnecessary element of frustration to the game.

For anyone who's played this before (or owns it on another format) I'd say don't bother with this. The number of game modes just isn't enough to hold your interest. If you've any experience with the game you'll play through the puzzle mode pretty quick. You'll play the challenge mode for so long you'll just get bored and give up (on my second shot at it I played for an hour and a half for just one game, got to level 100 and quit out of boredom). The only possible saving grace is the two player mode which should add some value to the game if you have a friend of equal ability, though its not enough to make it worth buying (even at the low price its been released at).

I had high hopes for this game and if the developers had put some time and effort in it could have been pretty good. As it is its just disappointingly average. And if you're looking at buying this and own it on another format then knock three points of my overall and addiction ratings.