Created to appease relaxed and hardcore gamers alike, this multi-faceted Nintendo DS title pushes colored blocks towards the top of one’s screen and requires their quick organization into groups of three or more.
Once such a group is made, the blocks disappear and the real strategy begins as subsequent combinations can be formed.
These combinations — achieved when blocks clear and new ones drop to again create groups of three or more — are the real way to score beau coup points. Not unlike chess, doing so on harder levels requires players to fully analyze their situations and think multiple moves into the future.
It is in that regard that the diehards can log countless hours while trying to top high scores in a number of modes. But those less inclined to perfect the game can pop in their cartridges and go right to work with the stylus, a tool that quickly and efficiently shuffles blocks with the DS’ marvelous touch-screen sensors.
Besides the instantly consuming gameplay, Planet Puzzle League holds players’ attentions with the perception that much is being accomplished. Hey, if we’re going to procrastinate doing our taxes and other forms of paperwork, then we can at least organize and clear various colored blocks.
Multiplayer, time attack, garbage challenge, puzzle, and endless modes prevent the thrill from ever truly being gone, so Planet Puzzle League works for both life’s short lulls and cross-country train rides.
– Scott Morrow
Planet Puzzle League
$29.99, Nintendo DS
Intelligent Systems
Released: June 4, 2007