Puyo Puyo Champions is about to get a boost to its competitive catering, with a new update adding in a handful of requested features for the game’s eSports scene. Most notable are a Spectator Mode, allowing players (or tournament judges) to view matches and multiple types of colorblind support options for Puyos.
#PuyoPuyoChampions is getting a new update that includes:
✔Spectator mode
✔2 new characters
✔Color blind settingsDropping on Nintendo Switch on August 26, then PS4, Xbox One, and PC this September. pic.twitter.com/LDuEHS8TkP
— SEGA (@SEGA) August 24, 2020
As the official English announcement shows, the game is also adding the characters Rafisol and Paprisu as playable options and dropsets. Rafisol made her debut as the antagonist of Puyo Puyo Chronicles, while Paprisu of multiple colors appear in the mobile title Puyo Puyo!! Quest. Unlike the other characters, these two will be unlockable via button inputs on the character select screen.
Other additions for this Puyo Puyo Champions update, per a translation by Gematsu, will include options to adjust Puyo fall speed to better practice, the ability to play against the CPU on either the Player 1 or Player 2 side of the screen, and more detailed information on the results screen. You can read the full breakdown (including Rafisol and Paprisu’s button unlocks) below:
“Spectator Mode” Added
Watch matches between other players in the online “Free Play” mode. You can also send support stamps in the “Awaiting Spectators” screen before a match.
“Color Adjustment” Functionality Added to Options
By switching “Filter” to ON, you can switch between four color calibration patterns—“trichromatism,” “protanopia,” “deuteranopia,” and “tritanopia”—as well as adjust color strength.
“Game Speed” Option Added to Game Settings
Adjust the game speed between three settings—“x1.0 (normal setting),” “x0.7,” and “x0.5.” Changing this setting does not affect how a match starts and ends, the fall speed of Nuisance Puyo, or Quick Drop time.
Added “Gummy” to Puyo Types
Added “Gummy” to the types of Puyo that can be used during matches.
“Field” Option Added to Pre-Match Settings
Select which field to use when playing against the CPU in “Solo.” You can select between 1P (standard setting, field on the left side of the screen) and 2P (field on the right side of the screen).
Detailed Match Information Added to Results Screen
“Number of Puyos Erased,” “Total Number of Times Erased,” “Largest Chain,” “Total Score,” “Total Match Time,” and “Number of Fevers” have been added to the match results screen.
“Auto Play” Function Added
Set “Handicap Settings” to “Sweet” or “Super Sweet,” or set to “Auto Play” in the match settings for online Free Play games.
By using auto play, the CPU will automatically perform up to 10 drops, but auto play will end if you make any moves manually during this time. Auto play also cannot be used continuously—you must manually make five drops before being able to use auto play again.
Rafisol and Paprisu Added as Secret Characters
Rafisol and Paprisu, who appeared in Puyo Puyo Chronicle and Puyo Puyo! Quest, can be unlocked as secret characters by inputting special codes on the character selection screen.
Rafisol is a mysterious being from another world, and she herself does not seem to know why she is here. Her fever type is “Aims for Big Chains.” Her unlock code is “L + Y” (Switch version) on the character selection screen.
Paprisu is a mischievous squirrel who lives in the forest. He appears laid back at first, but is actually very gifted. His fever type is “Aims for Fever.” His unlock code is “R + Y” (Switch version) on the character selection screen.
Other
Staff credits updated and subtle balance adjustments.
Practically everything in this update is coming from a place of either making the game more accessible or to serve its eSports scene (or both) and it’s great to see these features make their way in. Hopefully they become mainstays of the series whenever a new entry arrives, but for now you can grab Puyo Puyo Champions on the eShop (and other platforms) and look forward to the update hard dropping in on August 26th for Switch, September for other systems.
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.
