Tetris is the quintessential puzzle game experience. Dating back to the NES, Tetris has evolved quite a bit over the years. Games such as Tetrisphere, Tetris 99, and Tetris Effect all are fantastic examples of how the game has evolved and changed since its inception, giving great twists on the classic formula. However, in Japan there is a franchise that rivals it in popularity.
Puyo Puyo was rebranded time and again for its releases overseas, taking names such as Dr. Robotnik’s Mean Bean Machine for the sake of reaching a wider audience. This match-4 style game is a well-known competitive arcade puzzle experience, making the combination of these styles one that must be played to be believed. With the eighth generation of consoles coming to a close, we here at Duel Screens wanted to highlight some of our must-play experiences before grabbing your new PS5 or Xbox Series X. This is Duel Screens Selects.
A Killer Combination
Puyo Puyo Tetris has a ton to offer. Multiplayer supporting up to 4 players, a long campaign and a plethora of game modes await the eager puzzle addict. Rules always vary depending on gametype, with some hectic party modes included to keep the experience fresh. Whether you want a traditional arcade experience, head-to-head puzzle combat, score attacks or combo trials, it’s all here. This says nothing of the more dynamic modes such as the the marquee Fusion mode, which combines the two styles into a fun and inspired gametype.
The campaign is long and will continue to test your skills and push you as hard as you can go. Advancing in this story is the key to unlocking all the content, including additional characters and voice packs, which makes finishing an especially tough level extra rewarding. In certain game types, different characters will have different attack patterns or types, which will make you want to try them all. The online experience is also a fantastic and competitive one. It is the perfect place to test your skills or find ways to improve your own. You are guaranteed to see some flashy combos and insane plays in this fast-paced puzzler online.
Skill and Style
Along with characters and voice packs, Puyo Puyo Tetris offers even more customization in the form of skins for your Tetriminos and Puyos. From the in-game shop you can use points you earn to unlock skins for your puzzle pieces, adding extra flair to the board. These look especially great when performing combos and attacking your opponent. With a huge variety of Puyos, Tetriminos, Characters and voice packs, there is always something to shoot for in Puyo Puyo Tetris.
The many different game modes are intuitive and fun, offering different skillsets for each. The Fusion and Swap modes are the most compelling since they combine the two styles in unique ways. Fusion throws both Puyos and Tetriminos your way, with the Tetriminos able to crush through Puyos and re-drop them from the top. Swap mode combines the two by having you play a game of each separately, swapping between the two periodically. Though in the Swap mode falling pieces continue to drop even after you swap, opening for some epic combo potential between two active boards. All of this comes together to offer constant edge-of-your-seat moments of furious concentration, trying to execute the perfect plan in the midst of an enemy onslaught in the pursuit of victory. This makes for a satisfying competitive experience to compliment its traditional, relaxed puzzle game atmosphere that will always leave you wanting more.
A Puzzle Worth Solving
Puyo Puyo Tetris is a one of a kind game. While there are many unique spins on the familiar Tetris formula, this title stands out among the rest. It is a veritable Marvel Vs. Capcom of Puzzle games that preserves the unique elements of each franchise and meshes them together in fun and inspired ways. It is jam-packed with action and variety for up to 4 players locally, with a great online experience to boot. The customizable aesthetic and Puyo Puyo characters give the game a flair akin to the flashiness of the arcades of yesteryear, with the speed and depth to match. If you are a fan of puzzle games, this one is not to be missed.
