Puyo Puyo is one of those game series that is often talked about and has garnered a cult following but lacks any real presence outside of Japan. Only a handful of Puyo Puyo games have made it to the west with most being altered in some way such as Dr. Robotnik’s Mean Bean Machine and Kirby’s Avalanche. The last Puyo Puyo game to make it to the west was actually just a mini-game within the Nintendo 3DS title Hatsune Miku: Project Mirai DX. That all changes now, as Puyo Puyo Tetris becomes the first localised Puyo Puyo game to feature the series’ original name.
Puyo Puyo Tetris comes to North America and Europe for both the Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4. While it’s great to see the Switch get another game added to its library, the initial Japanese release of Puyo Puyo Tetris also included platforms like 3DS, Wii U, PlayStation 3, PlayStation Vita and the Xbox One. Why have these platforms been passed up? That’s a little unclear at this point, but what is clear is how at home the game feels on the Switch. There is a significant price difference between the two versions of the game which will probably be the determining factor for most but hear me out.
The Nintendo Switch offers the perfect environment for the game whether it is at home on a large TV or out and about while travelling. The Switch brings with it more benefits that fit the multiplayer nature of the game. Of course, if portability isn’t your thing or you’re big into trophy hunting then going with the PlayStation 4 version and saving yourself a significant chunk of charge will be the way to go. I maintain, though, that Puyo Puyo Tetris is best experienced with the Nintendo Switch.
Puyo Puyo Tetris is more than just a mash-up of Puyo Puyo and Tetris, although some game modes are just that. There’s so much to get stuck into from adventure mode to online mode with so much more in-between. The game is really versatile in that you can spend hours in one area of the game and take a break in another. The number of modes and options available in both the single and multiplayer games feel almost endless. Whether it’s a quick game, a challenging one or marathon for those high scores, Puyo Puyo Tetris has all bases covered.
Adventure mode has garnered most of my attention as I’m a sucker for earning stars on stages and seeing my progression percentage increase, albeit very slowly. I will admit that while my Tetris skills are fairly good I do struggle with Puyo Puyo on some stages. It seems simple enough but there is a lot of skill involved. It’s fun but challenging and the difficulty level only gets harder when trying out party or swap modes. All in all, Puyo Puyo Tetris is a joy to play by yourself or with friends although games can get a little heated.
Visuals are simple, clean and fun in Puyo Puyo Tetris, what more need they be, even with four players it never feels overcrowded. With a number of modes on offer, you might expect an overcomplicated navigation system but it’s been masterfully streamlined allowing you to navigate where you want within seconds. The Switch performs very well in this aspect as the touch screen can be used when in handheld or tabletop mode. The game also comes fully voiced in English which really shines during adventure mode and alternative voice packs can be purchased with in-game credits.
Verdict
Puyo Puyo Tetris feels perfectly at home on the Nintendo Switch; the nature of the game just seems to fit what the Switch offers. I would say that is the best way to experience such a fun game as Puyo Puyo Tetris but I have to factor in the cost. It is more expensive, and if the price is a concern then go with PlayStation 4 but the Switch remains my recommendation.
Don’t write Puyo Puyo Tetris off as a simple puzzle game that you may have played before because it’s far from it. It features numerous game modes that will have you entertained for hours with friends and without. It’s so easy to jump in and out of games that you could play it anywhere and I recommend doing so; it makes those early morning commutes go by in a flash.
Review copy provided by Deep Silver