Being an early adopter for any console can be rough. Usually you have a go-to game on launch day, but then you find yourself counting the days ’til the next big release. That’s where I’m at, at least. Of course I picked up Breath of the Wild, and I’m excited for the likes of ARMS and Splatoon 2, but what am I going to play in the meantime? What do I do when I want to just pick up and play something with minimal setup and maximum fun?
Thankfully, Sega had an answer for me.
Enter: Puyo Puyo Tetris, the crossover I never thought we’d get in America — but man, I’m beyond happy we did. Originally released for several platforms, including the Wii U and 3DS, in 2014, PuyoTet brings together two of the biggest names in the world of falling tile multiplayer action puzzle games: the worldwide phenomenon Tetris and the beloved (in Japan) Puyo Puyo. Tetris may be available on nearly anything with a screen these days, but we haven’t had a localized Puyo Puyo since Puyo Pop Fever for the DS back in 2004. If you’re a fan of those games and their characters you’re in for a treat with this new one; and even if you’re not, the bright and colorful world of Puyo Puyo carries and enhances the gameplay even outside of its Adventure story mode.
If my Switch game log is to be believed, I’ve been playing Puyo Puyo Tetris for over 15 hours already, and I haven’t felt compelled to stop. I even ended up playing a bit while trying to write this up. I’m a sucker for its style and story, but all of that would just be (really cute) fluff without the solid gameplay backing it up. What really sells it is just how many modes are offered. You can play Puyo Puyo, you can play Tetris, and you can play a game where your board swaps back and forth between the two. That one was particularly enjoyable and hectic, for even with warnings of when the swaps will occur it takes a bit for your brain to click back to the other playstyle.
There’s even more variety beyond that, with modes that mix in items, focus on more specific elements of the Puyo Puyo series, and one that even has you playing a tweaked, hybrid Fusion mode of Puyo Puyo and Tetris. I’m still trying to wrap my head around that one, but the fact that it’s essentially a new type of puzzle game to figure out has me excited to dive in further. All of the modes outside of the story can be played with up to four players as well, making for some great party times with friends. Being able to bring it anywhere via the Switch’s design mixes with that perfectly, and it’s definitely become something friends and I enjoy while out for coffee or when we just want to relax on a lazy day.
Don’t just take my word for it though. There’s a demo available in the eShop right now, and I encourage anyone with a Switch to give it a try. While you’re playing that, get excited for the full, in depth review coming closer to the game’s launch on April 25th!
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Written by Ricky Berg
When he isn’t writing for Nintendo Wire, Ricky’s anticipating the next Kirby, Fire Emblem, or if the stars ever align, Mother 3 to be released. Till then he’ll have the warm comfort of Super Smash Bros. to keep him going.
