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Bust-A-Move Pocket (Puzzle Bobble Mini) -- a review by EclipseIf you've thought about getting a puzzle game for your NGPC, you've probably seriously considered Bust-A-Move Pocket. With its simple gameplay, this is a game anyone can pick up in a matter of seconds. However, there is also much technique to this game, which makes it suitable for the hardcore puzzle fan and novices alike.The concept is simple, just like most puzzle games. The game starts off with a set of colored bubbles on the top of the screen, and it's your job to pop them all. What you do is shoot bubbles towards the top of the screen and try to make at least 3 of the same color stick together so that they'll pop. If there are any "orphan" bubbles that are a different color and lie solely on a chain you've made, that bubble will also pop. Further, you can also make bank shots to try to get the bubbles in hard-to-reach places. There are 4 basic game modes. Puzzle mode is a one-player mode that tests your skills in clearing 99 pre-defined puzzles. After you've cleared a puzzle, you move on to the next one. Vs. CPU mode pits you against the computer. Whoever has their bubbles pass a line on the bottom of the screen first loses. Survivor Mode tests you by seeing how many bubbles you can pop before the bubbles fall beneath the line. Finally, there is a 2-player mode where you and a friend compete to see who can hold out the longest. NOTE: If you have a B&W NGP, you can still play this game. The colors on the bubbles will be replaced by symbols.
Graphics: The graphics are simple and not too memorable. Since this is a puzzle game, it's hard to expect stunning visuals. The cutesy character graphics, consisting of little dinosaurs, ghosts, etc. may be a plus for some, and a minus for others. Some of the levels' backgrounds only consist of a couple of colors, leaving them fairly bland looking. The bubbles themselves are easy to see, and I've had few problems distinguishing between the colors, although I've heard that other people have had troubles telling the difference between certain colors. The graphics do the job, but aren't particularly impressive.
Sound: The music and FX are fitting for the game. My biggest complaint isn't the quality of sound, but the quantity. Especially when playing in Puzzle Mode, the music tracks tend to repeat a little too often for my tastes.
Control: It's very easy to move the pointer and shoot the bubbles. If you simply move the stick, the pointer glides smoothly back and forth. If you hold the B button, the pointer will move with every tap of the joystick, providing precise control. If you mess up a shot, it's your fault and not the fault of the controls.
Gameplay: This one is actually pretty hard to judge. The various modes really help the gameplay score a lot, however. The Puzzle Mode is fun, but not really pulse-pounding. It's a pleasant way to pass the time, but it doesn't provide "sweaty-palms, edge-of-your-seat" excitement. The main goal here, other than simply completing the board, is to see how fast you can clear a given stage. The Vs. CPU mode and Survivor Modes are more hectic and are highly replayable by nature, and 2-player battles should be incredibly fun. All in all, the Puzzle Mode is more about finding skillful ways of clearing a board quickly, and the other modes focus on staying in the game and thwarting opponents. If you know someone else with an NGPC, add 1 point to the score because of the 2-player mode. This fine combination of gameplay leaves Bust-A-Move Pocket a decent purchase for puzzle fans, but if you aren't a puzzle game fan, I don't think this would convert you. Back to Reader Reviews. |
