• December 6, 2006    Home > Game Reviews > Verdict

    Lumines II

    Time for our reviewer's honest take on this sequel.
    Version
     PSP    		Developer
    Q Entertainment    		Publisher
    BVG    		Genre
    Puzzle

    Page: 1  2 

    Page 2

    Ignoring personal vendettas against popular music acts and Lumines itself, it has to be said that Lumines II really doesn't bring anything new to the table. Now, here in clichéville we unfortunately have to say: "if it ain't broke.. blah blah blah," and whilst this does ring true - messing with a formula like Lumines' could have prodded at the way the thing plays - it does smack of a slight hint of cynicism on the part of Q Entertainment.

    "This simple formula lends itself perfectly to a handheld and is sure to prove a success story."

    In all honesty though it's hard to think of much else they could have done to the game to freshen the experience up and it's sure to be welcomed with open arms by the legions of series fans - the game itself plays exactly as the original - blocks made up of two colours are rotated to form squares, and more squares are added on to the sides to make combos (if possible), and this is all carried out to the beat of the particular music track being played.

    Worst explanation ever, but most of you must have played the game before, so shut it. It doesn't come across as the most gripping entertainment, but simplicity is what a lot of gamers crave and the series is well known for stealing many hours from lives with the pursuit of the highest score at the forefront of their minds - the highest score, it should be added, is no longer limited to 999,999. So knock yourself out.

    This simple formula lends itself perfectly to a handheld and is sure to prove a success story once more. Whilst this is the case on a fair and broad perspective, from a personal standpoint I still can't get on board with Lumines II. It doesn't grab me like I want it to and I find the whole experience thoroughly dull and frustrating.

    In short - I'm rubbish at it.

    Being rubbish at a game and hence disliking it may seem like a harsh reason to give lower marks, but this is simply my opinion - there are enough Lumines fans out there already, and those looking for an accomplished and well-designed puzzler could do a lot worse.

    Graphics Sound Gameplay Depth Presentation OVERALL
    7.0 8.0 6.0 7.0 8.0 6.0


    THE VERDICT:     The music videos don't work and the whole package is a bit lazy, but it's still something that will be well-loved. Not by me though.

    Page: 1  2 



    Video Coverage
    (Latest Videos & Video FAQ)
    PLEASE DO NOT DIRECT LINK TO ANY MEDIA FILE ON KIKIZO
    DescriptionDur.SizeDetails
    Lumines II
    Gameplay footage (low quality)       		1:48 14MB DF, SD, 16:9
    480x268p30
    1Mbps

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