Summary
- Release Year: 1993
- Genres: Arcade, Puzzle, Strategy
- Platforms: Linux, Mac, Nintendo 3DS, PC (Microsoft Windows), Sega Game Gear, Sega Master System/Mark III, Sega Mega Drive/Genesis, Wii
- Developers: Compile
- Publishers: Sega, Tec Toy
Dr. Robotnik’s Mean Bean Machine: A Puzzling Adventure in Beanville
Released in 1993 for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System, Dr. Robotnik’s Mean Bean Machine is a delightful puzzle game that combines the addictive gameplay of Puyo Puyo with the vibrant world of Sonic the Hedgehog. Players take control of Sonic or one of his friends and must compete against Dr. Robotnik’s henchmen in a series of puzzle battles to save the kidnapped Beanville folk.
Gameplay
The gameplay of Dr. Robotnik’s Mean Bean Machine is simple yet addictive. Players control a cursor to move and drop colored beans onto a 6×12 grid. When four or more beans of the same color are connected horizontally or vertically, they disappear, and any beans above them fall down. The goal is to clear all of the beans from the grid before your opponent.
Players can also create chain reactions by clearing multiple groups of beans at once. This can be done by setting up combos, where one group of beans falling triggers another group to fall, and so on. The more beans you clear in a chain reaction, the more points you earn.
Characters
Players can choose to play as Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, or Mighty. Each character has their own unique abilities that can be used to gain an advantage in battle. For example, Sonic can use his super speed to quickly drop beans, while Tails can use his tails to rotate the grid.
Dr. Robotnik’s henchmen are also playable characters, each with their own unique abilities. Scratch can use his claws to grab and move beans, while Grounder can use his drill to create holes in the grid.
Modes
Dr. Robotnik’s Mean Bean Machine has a variety of different modes to keep players entertained. The main mode is the Story Mode, where players must travel across Beanville and defeat Dr. Robotnik’s henchmen in a series of puzzle battles.
Other modes include the Versus Mode, where two players can compete against each other, and the Puzzle Mode, where players can solve a series of increasingly difficult puzzles.
Graphics and Sound
The graphics in Dr. Robotnik’s Mean Bean Machine are bright and colorful, with a cartoonish art style that perfectly captures the whimsical world of Beanville. The music is also excellent, with a catchy soundtrack that will get stuck in your head for days.
Legacy
Dr. Robotnik’s Mean Bean Machine was a critical and commercial success, selling over 1 million copies worldwide. It is still considered one of the best puzzle games ever made, and it has been ported to a variety of platforms over the years.
The game’s popularity has led to a number of spin-offs and sequels, including Puyo Puyo Tetris, which was released in 2017.
Conclusion
Dr. Robotnik’s Mean Bean Machine is a timeless puzzle classic that is still enjoyed by gamers today. Its simple yet addictive gameplay, charming characters, and vibrant world have made it a fan favorite for over 25 years. If you’re looking for a fun and challenging puzzle game to play, then Dr. Robotnik’s Mean Bean Machine is definitely worth checking out.
Review Score
8.5/10
