Familiar but fun colour matching game
The original Puyo Puyo followed firmly in the footsteps of puzzlers like Tetris, Columns and Bust a Move and was a charming, if slightly derivative take on the genre. The basic idea was similar to other such games and simply required players to match puyos (weird little creatures) of the same colour in order to make them disappear. What made the game stand out somewhat was the addition of a typically bonkers Japanese storyline involving a young girl's attempt to stop Satan from taking over the world. This sequel is pretty much the same as its predecessor in terms of basic gameplay, but adds in a few complex new rules and game modes to add in some variety. The mad plot is back and while it does seem unnecessary in a puzzle game, it does at least help give it some personality and this is one of the reasons why it was so massively popular in Japan. If you're on the lookout for a new puzzler to pick up and sink some time into, you could do worse than check this out. The gameplay is familiar but still manages to prove strangely addictive, while the variety of modes on offer, including a two-player one, add in some much needed variety and challenge. The story too is engagingly mad which helps maintain interest over the likes of narrative-less titles like Tetris. The graphics are simple but quite effective, with the little puyos being charming creations that you can't help smiling at, while the music and effects are similarly appealing. Puyo Puyo 2 is undeniably familiar in its gameplay and offers little new to the genre but still manages to be an enjoyable enough experience, so if you are a fan of this kind of thing, there is some fun to be had here.
