Summary
- Release Year: 2006
- Genres: Puzzle
- Platforms: Nintendo DS, PlayStation 2, PlayStation Portable, Wii
- Developers: Sonic Team
- Publishers: Sega
Puyo Puyo! 15th Anniversary: A Nostalgic Celebration of a Classic Puzzle Game
Released in 2006 to commemorate the 15th anniversary of the Puyo Puyo series, Puyo Puyo! 15th Anniversary is a lovingly crafted tribute to the franchise’s rich history. Developed by Sonic Team and published by Sega, the game brings together elements from both the arcade Puyo Puyo and Puyo Puyo Tsu, offering a nostalgic experience for longtime fans and an accessible entry point for newcomers alike.
Gameplay: A Timeless Classic
At its core, Puyo Puyo! 15th Anniversary is a classic puzzle game. Players take control of one of six adorable characters and compete to clear a 6×13 grid of colorful, blob-like creatures known as Puyos. Puyos fall from the top of the screen in pairs of two, and players can rotate and drop them to create chains of four or more Puyos of the same color. When a chain is formed, the Puyos disappear and any Puyos above them fall into their place.
The objective of the game is to create large chains and clear as many Puyos as possible before your opponent. As players clear Puyos, they build up a “fever” meter. Once the fever meter is full, players can unleash a powerful attack that clears a large number of Puyos from the screen.
Characters: A Colorful Cast
Puyo Puyo! 15th Anniversary features a cast of six playable characters, each with their own unique abilities and playstyles. Arle Nadja, the protagonist of the Puyo Puyo series, returns alongside five other characters from the Madou Monogatari era of the franchise: Schezo Wegey, Rulue, Draco Centauros, Raffina, and Feli.
Each character has their own strengths and weaknesses. For example, Arle is an all-rounder with no major advantages or disadvantages, while Schezo excels at creating large chains but is vulnerable to attacks from above. Players can choose the character that best suits their playstyle and experiment with different strategies to find what works best for them.
Modes: Something for Everyone
Puyo Puyo! 15th Anniversary offers a variety of game modes to keep players entertained. The main Story Mode follows Arle and her friends as they travel through the world of Puyoland, competing in Puyo Puyo matches against a variety of opponents. The game also features a number of other modes, including:
- Versus Mode: Play against a friend or the computer in a head-to-head Puyo Puyo match.
- Challenge Mode: Take on a series of increasingly difficult Puyo Puyo puzzles.
- Endless Mode: See how long you can survive against an endless stream of Puyos.
- Party Mode: Play a variety of minigames with up to four players.
Presentation: A Visual and Sonic Delight
Puyo Puyo! 15th Anniversary is a visually stunning game. The vibrant colors and cute character designs pop off the screen, and the animations are smooth and fluid. The game’s soundtrack is equally impressive, with catchy tunes that will get stuck in your head long after you’ve stopped playing.
Reception: A Critical and Commercial Success
Puyo Puyo! 15th Anniversary was a critical and commercial success. The game received praise for its nostalgic gameplay, charming characters, and beautiful presentation. It was also a commercial success, selling over 1 million copies worldwide.
Legacy: A Lasting Impact on the Puzzle Genre
Puyo Puyo! 15th Anniversary is a beloved entry in the Puyo Puyo series and a classic puzzle game in its own right. The game’s nostalgic gameplay, charming characters, and beautiful presentation have made it a favorite among fans of the genre. Puyo Puyo! 15th Anniversary continues to be enjoyed by players today, and it remains a testament to the enduring appeal of the Puyo Puyo series.
Review Score
8/10
Art
Cover Art
Screenshots
