"Addicting, To Say the Least"

Introduction
There's something very visually compelling about bright, little flashing blocks coming together in different patterns and combinations. All of this is complimented by an extremely colorful, crisp environment. Not to mention how much better this becomes when you add the perfect soundtrack and sound effects into the mix. These are just a few of the many wonderful aspects of the puzzle game: Lumines. In fact, the game has so many fun and interesting traits that even someone who hates puzzle games will still enjoy playing Lumines.
Gameplay: 8/10
In the game, you must arrange several different block formations to create combos of four blocks of the same color or more. Here's the twist: While the player tries to eliminate as many blocks as possible, a time line passes at a steady pace and clears out each combination you make. The speed of the time line all depends on the beat of the song. For example, if the tempo is quick, so is the time line. This gives the game an extra challenge as well as a unique style of play. Though the game is very challenging, you will quickly get used to it and soon become a slave to Lumines' addicting style and feel. The game even has decent multi-player battles, which can be played with two players if they each own the game. However, if you do not have much experience with games like Lumines, it may seem a bit too challenging. Also, after the player gets to a certain point in the game, it may seem frustrating to come so far and then lose before unlocking a new skin.

Graphics: 9/10
Stunning visuals, flashing lights, and glowing blocks. What's not to like? As I played through Lumines' exciting levels I can honestly say that I have never seen anything like it. I was always surprised at the many different backgrounds and skins. Each skin showed a new side to the game's unique graphics. After playing this game for only a short time, I was hooked into the mind-numbing graphics and style. Although graphics aren't usually the main focus in a game, Lumines certainly shows its graphics off with style.

Sound: 9/10
The soundtrack of Lumines is just plain awesome. From pop to techno to alternative rock to strange songs that just sound great, Lumines has it all. Each of the many different songs fit perfectly into each level of the game. Plus, each song is a new surprise as the player has the ability to unlock tons of new ones. In addition to the songs, the different sounds for each level gives the game a really cool feel. For example, when you are in a level with a pop/techno style of song, the sounds when you flip and move the block will have the same style. As the player listens to both the songs and the sounds together in harmony, the player will get more and more sucked into the game. My only recommendation to this soundtrack is to lean more towards songs of the current genre, instead of using songs that many people, like myself for instance, have never heard of before.

Replay Value: 9/10
Most puzzle games are at least exceptionally re-playable. Lumines in more than just exceptional when it comes to its re-playability. There are several different modes to the game, such as challenge, single skin, and vs. CPU. Also, the different modes give you the ability to unlock more skins and music depending on how far you get. Most players will feel the need to continue on in the game and unlock the new features, insuring that the game doesn't get old. In fact, there were several times when I found myself playing Lumines for hours on end without getting even the slightest bit bored.

Overall 9/10
Lumines is a very impressive game and is definitely ranked far above many other titles for the PSP. It is fun, addicting, and very unique from other puzzle games that I have played before. Although there may be a few aspects missing in the gameplay, it makes up for that with its cool soundtrack and stylish graphics. All in all, Lumines is one of the finest puzzle games I have ever played. I believe that it is a new and interesting experience in gaming that is hard to come by.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 03/07/07