The basic premise of Lumines II has been left untouched from the original. You take control over squares made up of four smaller blocks, and join them up with their matching colour to form rectangles. However, it’s not that simple. The square’s quadrants are each a different colour, and as such need to be rotated so that they can be correctly matched with the same colours in adjacent squares. Failure to do so usually results in unmatched blocks piling up ,and like many other puzzle games, once the pile reaches the top of the screen, it’s game over. As you play, a vertical “timeline” moves across the screen from left to right and destroys all same-coloured rectangles, adding points to your overall score.
We're starting to feel a little dizzy.
Lumines II offers three levels of difficulty, as opposed to the two on offer in its predecessor. These are Class B (Easy), Class A (Medium) and Class S (Expert). From here on, you can select one of five different modes: Challenge, Vs. CPU, Time Attack, Puzzle and Mission, as well as wireless multiplayer ad hoc support for up to two players. The first four single player modes are basically the same from the first game, with the exception being Puzzle mode, which has been extended to 100 puzzles to complete. The new mission mode features 50 puzzles that you have to complete under strict guidelines, such as clearing the screen in five moves or less. The Mission mode actually adds more depth to the game (not that it needed it), giving players more to do and in the long run adding more differences between this sequel and the first game.
Changes have also been made to the skins. Now numbering around 60, the developers made it clear that their goal was to include something new and fresh to the mix. The answer? Not only will the unique skins contain more vibrant colours, pulsing textures and 3D backgrounds, but there will also be times when players will be treated to full screen music videos, a first for a handheld console. The list of known music videos includes:
- Beck “Black Tambourine”
- Black Eyed Peas “Pump It”
- Chemical Brothers “Star Guitar”
- Fatboy Slim “Gangster Trippin’”
- The Go! Team “Bottle Rocket”
- Gwen Stefani “Hollaback Girl”
- Hoobastank “Born to Lead”
- Junior Senior “Take My Time”
- Missy Elliott “Lose Control”
- New Order “Regret”
Very impressive skins.
Besides this, there'll also be music written exclusively for the game by Japanese artist Shinchi Osawa, who you may also know as MONDO GROSSO, the writer of the opening track for the original Lumines. Other Japanese artists, Ken Ishii and TECHRIDERS, will also be lending their music to the game. In all, expect around 100 music tracks to listen to.
With the main game mechanics being untouched and the inclusion of more skins, puzzles and music videos, Lumines II is shaping up to be another smash hit for the PSP this year. From what we’ve seen, it looks as though the title is staying true to its roots, and will be a welcome addition by most fans. Look out for a review on PALGN shortly.
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