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One of the best puzzle games since Tetris!

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 1 / 1
Date: April 10, 2006
Author: Amazon User

Lumines presents a familiar conundrum to fans of the puzzle genre. Basically, they must get rid of blocks by lining them up strategically. But in Lumines, blocks of like color must be arranged in rectangular shapes, and they are cleared from the screen by a timeline, which intermittently "wipes" the screen. As gamers progress through the game, not only do the blocks begin falling faster, but also the timeline slows down, making it harder to clear out blocks rapidly.
"Lumines" is the new creation of Tetsio Mizoguchi. He's the one responsible for bringing the industry such great puzzle games "REZ" and "Space Channel 5" and even the popular "Meteos" for Nintendo's DS system. However, his newest creation for Sony's new handheld system is not just the best of his work, It's one of the greatest puzzle games to come along in quite some time. Creating a marriage between an amazing visual prowess, dazzling music, and fun and fresh gameplay. "Lumines" prevails in every sense of the word.
Blocks fall, as previously mentioned, and it's up to the player to arrange them into like-colored rectangles of no less than 2x2 units; after setting the pieces in place, they are cleared only after a line which tracks from left to right in time with the music (called the "Timeline") that passes over them. Afterwards, points are awarded based on the number of these rectangles that are cleared in each pass of said line. While decidedly simple, the game does reward more complex strategies. In challenge mode, gamers will find it beneficial to set up larger combos by creating channels of adjacent, like-colored blocks; in time, special pieces will drop that will allow those colored blocks that are touching other same-colored blocks to be cleared.
The challenge mode is where the heart of the experience lies. You begin with a low level stage, which is easy for people still learning the game to tailor it to their preference, after achieveing a certain number of points and clearing a certain number of squares. (Which then unlocks certain features described below)
The theme and stage will change, as well as the difficulty. The more you progress in Lumines, the faster the blocks will move and the faster the Timeline will trek across the screen.
After completion of a stage in Challenge mode will unlock that theme to be played whenever you want in the "Single Skin" mode, which is set aside for all of the themes you unlock. Gives the game tremendous replay as the player has something to shoot for every time they load up challenge mode.
Versus mode, though, is a much faster paced mode of play and require different strategies. Two players (or a single one facing a computer-controlled opponent) are placed onto a single game board divided by a line. Each player must work to achieve as many clears as possible per pass of the Timeline. Afterwards, the division line shifts, causing the player who had the smaller of the two combos to have less space to work with.
In these modes the game is quite a bit more hectic than in standard play; which could last around an hour, whereas in single-player mode games can end in mere minutes when played competitively. When played versus a computer-controlled opponent, some may find the experience too difficult, in fact.
The game's puzzle mode also requires different tactics and a new plan of attack. Prior to each stage, the player will be given a specific shape to attempt to create out of blocks. This could be as simple as a 3x3 cross or as complex as a pixilated animal. It gets difficult rather quickly and should keep even the most fanatical puzzle gamers engaged for weeks. The necessity to change strategies based on which game mode has been selected is refreshing, to say the least.
Continued play will lead to increased skil which in turn unlocks new "Skins" (the colorful and themed backgroud that the game plays on) and new avatars which can be used to decorate player's game profiles.
Lumines is very easy to get hooked into and can make a long bus ride whizz pass in a blur of bright colors and engaging gameplay.
If you own a PSP, you owe it to yourself to give this game a try!

Lumines=Addiction

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 1 / 1
Date: May 17, 2006
Author: Amazon User

This is the only reason, in my opinion, to make someone NEED a sony PSP. The game is THAT good. Lumines is an addictive, fun, and stylish puzzle game for the Sony PSP. When most people think of "puzzle" games, the first thing that pops into their head (or what should) is Tetris. Tetris was an extremely addicting puzzle game and still lives on as one of the best that has been made. Just like Tetris did for the puzzle game market, Lumines takes us to a whole new level of gaming. Even for those players that think puzzle games are a waste of time, or just not fun at all, this game should surely change your mind. In theory, the game is pretty simple. At all stages in the game, there are only 2 different colored blocks on the screen, and you basically have to match same colored blocks together. Again, like Tetris, the blocks fall from the top of the screen, a "falling-brick puzzler" if you will.

The main thing that makes this game different from other puzzle games out there is the music and the way it is integrated into the game. First off, the music is brilliant in every sense, and there are many different kinds in the game. The music really brought me into the fun of the game. Again, I said that I loved the way the music is integrated into the game. While playing, there is a musical staff bar that sweeps across the screen to the beat of the music. Only when the bar makes its way across will your combos be counted. At times, the bar can move very slow, other times it goes extremely fast, making for a new and fun experience with every stage. When the music goes fast, your combos get counted and taken away, making it pretty hard to fill the board up, but also making it hard to make larger combos. It's pretty much opposite when the music plays slow; you make large combos with ease, but it is also very easy to accidentally fill up the entire board with blocks. Eventually, you'll find yourself bobbing your head to the beat, trying to create combos that will get counted when the staff bar goes by. It truly gets addicting, but in a good way!

Overall, this game is exceptionally good and well put together. It can become an addiction quickly, but even if it doesn't, it's a game that you can pop in and play at any time, years from now, and not get bored.

The only PSP game you'll ever need.

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 1 / 1
Date: May 18, 2006
Author: Amazon User

Since I bought this game two months ago I haven't played any of my other PSP games, and I don't think I ever will again!

Normally I don't play these kind og so-called puzzle games (having a fancy at RTS like Stronghold and Generals on PC), but Lumines is by far one of the best games I've ever played. Its combination of catching music, beautiful environments, fast pace and logical gameplay makes Lumines a great experience every time you play it;)

If you have no idea of what this game is about, I would desribe it as a modern version of Tetris, yet this doesn't do Lumines justice by a long shot. You simply have to try it to realize how great this game is! If you on the other hand don't like the experince of adrenalin, nicotine-like addiction to games and the sensation of realizing that you've played for 3 hours after midnight without noticing it, stay away from this game. It's highly addictive!

A new breed of Puzzle

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 1 / 1
Date: May 20, 2006
Author: Amazon User

Just when you thought there were no more possibilities for a NEW puzzle game - Lumines provides a mix of interesting visuals, great music and very solid, compelling game play that creates an extremely fun, challenging and utterly addictive entertainment experience.

One of the first things you'll notice when you load up Lumines is that it has a somewhat retro set of graphics, borderline primitive. In fact, at any given moment you'll be looking at a tile of small blocks of two different colors or patterns and a neat background. And that's it. But that is part of the charm - it's a very sharp looking game as the colors and patterns are nice and vibrant as well as interesting without being overly distracting.

The music is one of the real strong points of Lumines. In fact, the soundtrack is one of the most appealing aspects of the game. As you play the game, the music is generated a bit differently based on how well you're doing. This keeps things from being too repetitive and makes for an enjoyable gaming experience even for extended periods.

What about the game play? Well this is where Lumines really shines. It's a wonderful game even for those who don't usually enjoy puzzle games. The game consists of two main modes. One of them, called Puzzle mode has you tasked with building assigned shapes. This provides a nice challenge and change of pace from the main mode. In this mode you're tasked with racking up lots of points by forming blocks of 4 out of the same color. The kicker is those blocks aren't instantly cleared out they're cleared out by a bar which is set to the rhythm of the music so there is a deeper level of strategy involved.

All in all, Lumines is an absolute must have game for any PSP owner.

VERY ADDICTING!

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 1 / 1
Date: May 27, 2006
Author: Amazon User

This is a very addicting game. The first 3 days I got it, i couldnt put it down. Its really fun. Its like Tetris on steriods. And the skins feature is a nice touch, some really good music on here a well. But yea, this is a another MUST HAVE GAME for PSP!

Lumines is an addicting must-buy for any PSP owner.

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 1 / 1
Date: November 07, 2006
Author: Amazon User

At first glance, many would think this is another copy of Tetris, but the gameplay is at the best a block clearing game can be and it's presented well. Instead of using the standard "L" shape, the peices are in blocks instead, where you must match four blocks. The line moving across is what clears peices. To make a combo, you can shove more peices into the vortex to clear. You can have several users on the game with different avatars which you can unlock. There are themes you can unlock too.

There are a good amount of gameplay modes, though they lead up to the same thing. Single player, you can unlock the skins, test them, and try and beat your high score. Puzzle mode, you are given a scenario that you must do using the gameplay formula. The V.S. modes are where you can challenge the computer or a friend in a Lumines battle. The gameplay is the same, but it's a battle to who gets a bigger part of the screen.

If you are a Tetris fan, then it's obvious that you will love this. If you own a PSP, then you should defenitely get it. If you are skeptical that this is just another Tetris mimic, then I would say take the step and try it out.

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Pros: Very addicting gameplay with a good variety of modes to play in and a nice amount of unlockables. Audio-visual effects really pump the player into the game. And decent multiplayer too, wrapped up in a cheap price.

Cons: May be different modes, but they all lead up to the same thing.

Lumines: Japanese Tetris

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 1 / 1
Date: November 20, 2006
Author: Amazon User

This game is one of the most fun ones I have ever played. I was and still am addicted to it; it never really seems to get old. Gamespot's review is pretty good; the only things I will say is that Vs. CPU mode is difficult and puzzle mode is even harder. The levels being sequential does get old after a while, BUT... if you go through the entire game twice (looping, as in you don't die), the levels after that appear in a different order. (i.e., it doesn't go from Lights to Shinin'.)

This game is fantastic and I'd say any person with a PSP who even remotely likes puzzle type games should own it. The soundtrack is excellent as well, particularly the second level's theme. I purchased it and love that as well.

Most addictive game ever...

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 1 / 1
Date: May 22, 2007
Author: Amazon User

I can't put this game down. Killer music tracks, hypnotizing backgrounds, and challenging gameplay put this game on my top ten list!

This game stinks unless you live by puzzle games.

1 Rating: 1, Useful: 4 / 21
Date: November 15, 2005
Author: Amazon User

I liked the original tetris. Not to complex, pretty addicting. I even liked bust a move. So with all the good reviews of this game, I thought I'd give it a spin. I did and regretted it immediately. This is way to complex to catch on in any similar fashion to tetris. Your grandma could play tetris or bust a move. She will never get this game.
Bottom Line: Polarity blows this one out of the water on the DS. Will I keep it? Nope. Is it for kids? Nope. Too complex.

Lots of FUN!

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 1 / 2
Date: April 03, 2005
Author: Amazon User

Yeah it cost $40, yeah at first I thought what did I buy. After 10 minutes of playing I was hooked on it!

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