90
Plays good, loads ok, awesome graphics and sound. If you like Tetris you will like this. It's a good game to have in your collection.
92
This is a must buy for the PSP its definitely the best puzzle game on the PSP and best puzzle game in my opinion since tetris. The effects are great even tho the graphics do not do much it really pops the game out. The music is awesome theres so many different songs and how the songs change with the backgrounds and colors is great. Very short load times. Easy to pick up and play anytime. great multiplayer fun but no online play, a great disapointment. Only other negative I can think of is the lack of modes but still worth buying.
95
I have to admit that I wasn't really impressed with this game at first. I didn't really get into it. But I gave this game a chance, and after a couple hours of gameplay, I started to love it. Now it is one of my favorite games.
Do not rent this game. Buy it! It WILL grow on you. And dont judge it by the first hour, because if you give it a chance, you'll love it.
95
Incredibly simple controls and incredibly hard to master. The gamplay, the sound, the everything works so amazingly well. This is easily the most addicting game i've ever played. From the first stage it had me hooked (shinin' shinin' shinin'). For the addicts? Lumines has your fix.
96
It seems that every handheld that is released has always had a puzzle game available at the launch date. The Game boy had Tetris, the Sega Game gear had Columns and now the PSP has been launched and a game called Lumines was available on the day of launch. I have lost count of the amount of attempts by software developers to beat the all time classic puzzle game Tetris, some have come close, others have fallen flat on their face. I had heard good things about Lumines, but puzzle games aren't really my thing, but I couldn't resist and had to see what all the fuss was about.
It's raining rocks
Lumines has many similarities to Tetris. The one difference here is that instead of the blocks being different shapes as in Tetris, the blocks are made up of 2 colors. Lumines is a falling block game, requiring just one of two colors of blocks to be matched in a square shape. When a square is made the square of color will disappear, the more squares of the same color that you can make the more points that you acquire.
The controls are very simple. You use the D-pad to move the blocks from left to right. If you hold the down button the blocks fall faster and the X button rotates the blocks.
The pieces that fall from the top of the screen are always squares and unlike Tetris and many other puzzle games, the blocks will fit into any space without making gaps. The blocks split and fall in half if the block is placed on a ledge. Whether they will make a color combo when they fall is something else, it can either help you out immensely or it can make your life miserable
There are a few different modes of play. You can do a challenge mode where you are able to win more skins and music tracks. You can play single game mode where you can pick the back ground you want to play on. There are also options where you can play against the computer or against another PSP via Wi-Fi. In the Vs mode the screen is split into two. The idea is to make as many combos as you can, the more combos you make the smaller your opponents playing field gets, and when it gets to small for your opponent to play, you win. I have not played against another PSP as of yet but I imagine it would be a lot of fun.
The twist
There are always twists in puzzle games like this. Every now and them a square will drop that has a little green jewel in the middle of it, if you are able to use this jewel, every block that is the same color of the block that has the jewel in it when connected by direct touch (i.e. edge-to-edge) will be included in your combo. The amount of combos you can make by using these are limitless. I have at one point been able to clear 75 - 80% of one color from my game board, and the cool thing is that when all of the squares that are in the combo disappear, all of the remaining blocks fall down and they could make even more combos for you.
The other twist in this game is the music bar that goes across the screen, roughly in time to the music that is playing in the background. Your combos will only be counted and cleared when the bar passes over the cubes you have made. This make the music in the game very, very important. For example, when a slow piece of music is playing, you will find yourself filling up the puzzle board very quickly because the music bar sweeps across the board slowly, but this will give you a good chance to build awesome combos. On the other hand, when a fast piece of music is playing, the bar will sweep across the screen really quickly and you will have little chance of making any combos, almost as soon as you make a square it will be cleared by the music bar.
How does it look and sound?
Lumines looks very simple. There are no flashy graphics, everything has been made as simple as can be. There are different skins that become available the further you get through the game. They range from space, people dancing in the background and even busy freeways. The skins are actually very cool, and add a lot of replay value to this game. You will find yourself coming back again and again trying to unlock all of the skins.
As I mentioned before, the music is very important. Lumines has a very original soundtrack. All of the tunes are very catchy and you will find your self humming along to all of them, most of the tunes (at least the ones I have unlocked) are dance tunes and as you read before, some have faster beats and some have slow mellow beats. All in all, the graphics and the music in this game are great and add a great deal of fun.
Be prepared to lose your social life
Lumines is a very simple game but let me tell you, it is extremely addictive. The Puzzle game genre is not my favorite but Lumines has blown me away. Since I bought the game 4 days ago I have not been able to put my PSP down. This is without a doubt one of the best, if not the best game on the PSP right now. Lumines has extremely simple gameplay that will keep you hooked for hours upon hours while you try to unlock all of the skins, music tracks and most importantly while you try to top your own high score. This is an absolute must have title.
91
I am not really a puzzle fan, but this game really got me addicted!The whole point of the game is placing cubes falling from the sky in order to create a 4X4 square. This is the type of game you'll never get bored of.
Graphics
I know it's a puzzle game, but the graphics are really something that catch your eye. In the background of the play area there are various abstract schemes which just make you say "sweet!". Depending on the skins you unlock you get different schemes and the whole feeling of the game changes.
Sound
Sound could have been better. In the menu screen there is a very annoying selection sound that can't be turned of. The gameplay music is really loud and you'll rarely have the PSP up to max. If you listen to the same track over and over again it might get a little annoying. Every track has an interesting combination of sounds, when you move a block left and right you hear a certain voice, when you place the cube you hear another specific voice etc. It makes you feel like a DJ 
Gameplay / Replayability
You'll find yourself playing this game for a very very long time, you will always have new high scores to conquer and new skins and music to unlock. This game is based on replayability. It might take you a while before you actually start unlocking something.
Value
Worth every cent, this is one of the must haves for the PSP. Entertainment guaranteed!
90
Lumines is a perfect example of what a puzzle game should be. The gameplay itself is easy to pick up and as your skills improve so will the complexity. The music is top notch and and compliment the innovative game style well. The graphics are very crisp and above average for a 2D puzzle game. Overall Lumines is a innovative puzzle game that is highly addictive and very fun.
94
Hi all. Wow, what can I say that's already been said? :D Here are the finer points of this amazing PSP launch title:
Addictive gameplay
Connect blocks to other blocks of the same color by rotating their shapes. Making a four-sided type shape will eliminate all blocks of the SAME color that borders it. However, there is a line that runs horizontally which activates these block "eliminations." Therefore, you may have already made a four-sided-sided shape of the same color but it will NOT disappear until this action line passes through it. Blocks will continually fall so the objective is just like Tetris; get rid of the blocks!
Music
The music will change and so will the color of the blocks after a certain number of eliminating blocks/points is achieved. This changes look & sound very cool and keeps the game fresh.
Loading is brief & I've encountered no game play glitches.
There are a few variations of modes of play but the objective is the same; get rid of those blocks! :D
Bottom line: Like Namco's collection, I feel this is great game to have on the go. It's plain addicting and rounds can last 40 min. easy if you're an average player. If you hate puzzles then stay away. Now if Tetris interests you, well gamer, grab Lumines for a fantastic alternative.
67
Lumines is a big rip-off of Tetris.
That being said, Lumines is ok. It was really awesome for the first 10 minutes. Then it dulled down. The music became a little repetative and annoying after a while. I though this would be a good "pick-up and play in the grocery line" type of game. It wasn't quite like that.
The load times aren't the greatest. They also could have tried something new with the graphics. 2D just doesn't cut it. They could have also thrown in some Bust-A-Move type stuff in there too. Well, still a good game. I would recommend renting it, not owning it. Tetris is still a better choice.
85
I am a huge tetris fan so I knew I would really like this game. The premise is quite simple. Four connected blocks drop at a time in the form of a square from the top and each consist of any pattern of two colors. When four blocks of the same color create a square, they disappear. The twist is in a linave that moves across the screen. It acts like a windshield wiper and as it moves across the screen, the blocks that you created disappear. The trick to this game is to create as many links and combos before the line passes by. As you progress in the game, the scenery will change and the speed of the line will change. In some stages, the line will move very quickly while the clocks drop slowly and vice versa. The music is good and the gameplay is addictive. This game is perfect for anyone who only spends about 10 to 15 minutes a day playing their PSP. I usually play this game when I need to go to the throne. You can turn off the game and start off right where you left off. You will spend hours trying to beat your previous score.
5
Talk about a Tetris ripoff! Boring and repetitive gameplay, annoying music, and annoying loading -- it's a puzzle game! you move and turn blocks as they fall, and it takes 10 seconds to load! The graphics are 2D, enough said, 40 dollars for something that isn't even as fun as Tetris. No thanks. Overall value is worthless. Though I do understand a lot of people like this game, it's just not for me because of these reasons.
25
This is just the opposite for what I wrote about smart bomb. Ive heard sooooo many good things about this game I just had to try it out. So I also rented this game from gamefly. I only had it for TWO DAYS. I think this game is absolutely terrible.
av
I played it for about 4 hours in all. It started off pretty fun, I liked the music for the starting in the 1 player mode. When I unlocked the first few skins I was like wow this is a cool game.
But after like the first 3 hours it got sooooooo repetive in a BAD way. I just hated playing that same song in challange mode over and over again. I know you can pick any skin and play on that but that isn't fun to me. I like games where you can unlock new things or have progress or GET SOMEWHERE in the game. I guess its more of a high score game, and it just didn't do it for me. I know a lot of you are gonna be like OMG this game is the best how can you say this, but I just didn't like this game at all.
95
Ii wasn't going to keep this game because I had bought 2 games on impulse and was going to return it. But after reading reviews, I wanted to open it!! So I did and it's pretty addicting. It's a mix of Bejeweled, Tetris, and all those kinds of games. It gets hard sometimes when you mess up and can't get any more squares, but you get the hang of it. My friend had to show me the puzzle mode because I didn't get it at first. It always gets more challenging and the music overall is good. It's even more fun to plug it into your computer speakers and play it.
89
Lumines is the game everyone was hearing about two months after the launch, because face it, none of the other ones had any staying power. This review will go over things that gamers should find relevant.
Challenge mode the "skin", or backround music and backround images change as you get more points. The blocks get progressively faster. Single skin mode is the same as challenge, except the backround is static (stays the same). Time attack has you clearing out as many 2x2's as possible in a set time. Two player Vs. Mode has you "fighting"against friends (or other PSP owners, anyway). The more blocks that either player clears, the less space the opponent will have to work with. The screen is divided along the middle, at first, but moves to either side. First to hit the top loses. Vs. CPU Mode is the same thing as 2P Vs., but you'll be pitted against the computer. In Puzzle mode, you'll be chalenged to make shapes out of the same color box. The catch is that no adjecent boxes of the same color may be present (diagonal is okay). Next, bonuses are availible for certain things, like clearing all blocks from the screen, or getting more than three squares cleared in one timeline sweep.
Did I mention that throughout the entire game (including menus) brilliant music will be pumping through the speakers? Some even have a guy singing, which is good. The grphics are good, bright colors, but not absolutly dazzling. They could have been 3-D, or more variety in block color combinations.
At first, this seems like a run of the mill puzzle game, but it is very different. The new way of scorng points, the reallly weird skins, and all the other small things really add up in this game. You can unlock new skins by passing them in challenge mode, or beating the CPU in vs. CPU mode. You get new characters for similar things. Another interesting this is that you really do improve. At first, I could only play challenge mode for 8 or 9 minutes, but now I'm up to nearly Two hours. Soon, you start to recognize more complex patterns and develop differnt stratagies for different modes of play.
Some games look amazing on paper, but just don't add up right as something playable. I'm happy to repot that this game probablly was a lame game as an idea, but awesome as a game in the end.
The graphics could be better, but it's a puzzle game and that isn't a huge factor. There are no fun cheats, but there aren't any for other games either. There was a lack of advertisement, and it looks like you've seen it all (trust me, you haven't).
Strongest launch title. Replayability forever. It rocks.
95
So you've read all the glowing reviews, but you're still unsure whether you should buy it. Afterall, it's "just" a puzzle game. Is it reallly worth the money? Yes.
Playing Lumines is an experience that no other game can give you. This is laregly due to the link between sound and gameplay. Each move you make contributes to the soundtrack. Not in a gimmicky sort of way either. It almost connects you to the gameplay even more, putting you in a "zone" of sorts.
The visuals are top notch. Slick presentation, fantastic animations, vibrant colours and lighting. It's a well-polished product in the same way Ridge Racer is. Looking at it, you just know alot of effort went into it making it look _just_ right.
The sound is beyond description. The soundtrack is varied and incredibly immersive. Put on some headphones and time will fly.
Lots of replay value here. Lots of stages (and music) to unlock. Lots of different game modes. A must-buy.
99
The crack of puzzle games! VERY addictive!!!
If you like puzzle games just go buy it right now!
95
OK, OK! I did not believe the hype. I mean how good could another "falling-block" puzzle be? LUMINES IS ADDICTIVE! I found myself losing HOURS at a time trying to get my next skin. And thats what makes this game so great. Not only is it fun just to pick up & play, but the sense of reward (ie. skins & music) keeps you from wanting to put it down... ever. But thats not all! Add a very inventive puzzle mode & vs-CPU mode to 2-player ADHOC & you have the game that took Tetris' lunch money.
92
Tis is a great PSP game to start off with, It's slightly cheaper that the other games and it gets very addictive (even if its a little hard) the only flaw I have with the game is that. You may not want to buy a puzzle game on your brand new PSP. Audio pretty much stands out as for use of PSP functions. The backgrounds are wonderful and all but again i'll state that most people would prefer a game that uses more of the systems advantages (3D for one). I think that this is an awesome game if you don't care so much about maxing out the PSP functionality.
90
So I finally went and bought the game. I've only played maybe 3 hours of it so far, but from what I see it's probably worth the money.
Graphics are generally pretty spiffy. Aside from the fonts and menus, which look strangely askew, everything's smooth and has nice animation.
The music and sound effects are on par with the best of the graphics. The background music is designed to blend with the sound effects of you manipulating the blocks and it does a great job of this. Usually you end up just contributing to the music.
It's an entertaining game, no doubt. Think simplified Tetris (by concept only, actual implementation gets pretty complex when you have hoards of blocks on the screen) on acid with lots of nice animations, bright lights, and very amusing music and sounds.
Buy it.
100
It truly is addictive, the fun never ends on this game! Go get it now!
94
A game this good cannot be shunned! I haven't stop playing and won't stop!
Fast load times, satisfying graphics, unique modes(puzzle, vs. etc), great and simple controls, lots of unlockables make this addictive game one of the best PSP games out.
97
Ok, the sound and the effects you make with the buttons to switch the blocks is pretty cool. I find myself pushing the button only at the right rhythm, which is why I tend to lose in fast levels =). I only like a couple of the tracks such as Shining and the Japanese one with the seagulls hawking at ya.
The game is a very good challenge. Sometimes when you have become acclimated with the colors, it switches into another color and you have to get accustomed to it all over. Some of the colors though, I can't even get accustomed to because of their weird colors. Brown and white is hard, as is red and white. My favorite is orange and white blocks, those are the funnest colors to play with. The sound is kewl. Just wish you could input your own music though.
95
I had two other games before I got Lumines and hey haven't been put in my PSP since. Lumines is my favorite game of all time. I always lose track of time when I'm playing it. The time attack modes are very enjoyable as well as all the other modes. I still haven't gotten the hang of puzzle mode but no matter. Lumines is a simple yet awesome game.
90
Lumines is not much of a game when you played it for a long time, it is more an experimental and wonderful journey in rooms of music, sound and lights. If you're expecting a different experience from the PSP, that's the best game to buy.
If you're a Tetris fan, it should work fine with you, there's the need for sharp eye and reflexes, addiction beyond word, and constant will to improve your score.
If you're not, play it anyhow. Just don't try to beat the game. Download a save and enjoy the magic of some levels (I'm thinking Lights and Flowers, but you're sure to find your way in the multiple and very different kinds of atmospheres of the game).
As a matter of fact, Lumines has a very serious flaw, the kind that makes you hate a game you love. A medium single play for a trained but not skilled player, will last about an hour. A real challenger can play up to two hours before he loses. It seems a very very excessive amount of time for a portable game, unless you're in a real long trip!
99
What a mad game, its not Tetris though I thought it may be. It's so weird and involving. You should own it.
90
Controls
Lumines has some of the easiest controls on the PSP. Simply tap the X or O buttons to spin your blocks left or right. There are other control schemes, such as square and triangle to turn left, and X and O to turn right. You use the D-pad to move the blocks left and right, and press down to make them fall faster.
Gameplay
This is one of the most addicting puzzle games I've ever played. After about 4 minutes of play you get used to the controls, and you're hooked. The point is to drop the blocks in matching 2x2 squares, or drop multiple blocks onto each other before the laser comes and clears them for massive points. After awhile it may get boring trying to play through the same skins over and over again, but that's why there are different modes.
• Challenge Mode: This is what Lumines is all about, you try to score as many points as possible and advance through the skins unlocking even more skins and music.
• Single skin mode: This is essentially challenge mode, except it stays on a single skin that you unlocked until your blocks reach the top.
• Time Attack mode: In this mode you can choose from 4 different time limits, and see how many points you can rack up before time runs out.
• Puzzle mode: In this mode you have to use your blocks to make a shape of some sort. They range from things like a simple X, to giraffes, to large boxes. This mode is quite challenging, and requires you to think a little more.
• Vs CPU mode: In this mode both of you start with equal sized screens, but once the randomized blocks start dropping, whoever does better will broaden their screen, and the other player will get less space, which makes it harder. First to the top loses.
• Vs 2p Mode: The same as Vs CPU except you play against your friend.
Graphics
Everything in this game is really sharp. The squares, the backrounds, everything looks great. There are also cool effects when you get combos and multiple blocks cleared.
Sound
This has some of the most innovative music in any game, because depending on how you play, it goes along with the music. I highly suggest playing this game with a good pair of headphones.
Overall
Lumines is a great game for any puzzle fan, and even if you aren't a puzzle type person you should give it a try. It may get boring going through all the skins over again after a long amount of play, but you'll want to play it again after being bored. If you get bored that is.
99
Lumines is the best game ever! I once played it for 4 hours straight.
99
Without a doubt, the best puzzle game ever made. Forget Tetris, that's a one-trick-pony compared with Lumines. The gameplay here swings from lazy and casual to shockingly fast and then back again, giving you a break just when you need it, and then pouring it right back on. Seriously, if you get to play this game, it WILL keep you up at night, thinking a/b falling blocks.
85
Good game if you puzzles, I kind of got sick of it though.
99
The perect way to christen your PSP is to play Lumines. Music, graphics and puzzles. This game is a great launch game. Made by the developer who brought us Rez, and Space Channel 5. You will be rockin' to the music and loving the visuals.
71
I enjoyed this game a little when I first got it many months back, but honestly, I got bored of it really quickly. Which was a let down, because I'm the biggest puzzle fanatic I know. Give me tetris/puzzle bobble over this any day. I'd recommend you rent it or test a friend's copy first. Not for everyone.
99
Lumines, shows off a variety of skins, characters, background music, and challenges. The graphics with most puzzle games on the PSP are way better than any other handheld console. And it's basically testing our skills, us, and all gamers to our limits. Try it to believe it. Once you have it, you can't stop playing it.
94
This puzzle game is a bit confusing at first. The instructions are vague, and you really should watch the demo to get a better feel for it, but once you understand it and play it a bit, it is very addictive, and challenging. My only complaint may be the challenge actually. I love a tough game, but this seems too tough too quickly. Take that as you will, then go buy the game, cause it is really good.
95
When I first got lumines, it was a gift from my gf. I was unsure about the game because Im not a big puzzle gamer. Thank god, I kept this game. It is the best puzzle game I have ever played.
The game has good graphics due to all of the effects and flashing lights. The games sound is the biggest strong point. There are a great collection of tracks that alternate every level. The controls are like most puzzle games and are very easy to get used to. The game has a good lasting appeal on account of how addicting it is.
It is one of those games you play and you sometimes forget that you are playing. Get this game, it is one of the best games for PSP.
85
I like this game. It's fun, the music is good, and I see squares when I go to sleep. That the mark of a good puzzle game. The only other to do this was Wario's Woods for the SNES. The only problem with this game, is that each time you go to challenge mode, you have to sit through the same songs in the same order, over and over again. Still a good game though.
96
Very Addictive, like the modern version of Tetris. With all the different game modes it is hard to get boded with it. Play PSP vs PSP, or play against the CPU, or you can just challenge yourself to do better and better. Also, time yourself and build different puzzles. This is the best puzzle game out.
96
I'm not sure what I can say about this game that hasn't already been said, except that it is in an incredible launch title.
For anyone who is a fan of Tetris-style puzzle games or rhythm/music games, this is THE PSP purchase for you. Highly addictive, challenging, and very gratifying (unlocking new skins is just cool). This game is a blessing of design.
On the downside, if you don't like puzzle and/or rhythym games, this may not be your thing.
Find a friend with this game, and you can revel in the competitive mode (which, though tons of fun, tends to favour the player who gets a better start. It's very hard to make a comeback).
Technically standard PSP fare, as far as load-times they are near nonexistant (You'll notice some when first loading up a game, but that's it). Graphics are very smooth and pleasing, and the sequeway between skins is done beautifully.
For those that have this game, either a good speaker addon or headphones (I recommend the latter) are a must to get the full effect.
80
I thought it wasn't that great. Its alright, kept me busy for a few days. Nothing to get addicted to.
93
Great and addictive. Starts slow paced. Some puzzles are TOO HARD! I dont get it and got stuck. That is the puzzle mode. Overall, great music, gorgeous graphics! Gets you in the zone!
95
This is the most addicting PSP game ever released! The graphics, the tunes, the animations.... just terrific! Must have!
100
Those 2 words sum up this entire game. It the most visually satisfying game on PSP, while being the game that will keep you coming back for a long time. There have been plenty of reviews written for this, so I don't need to add much.
I really can't find anything wrong with this game. It is probably the bets puzzle/block game to come along since the original Tetris. What shocked me about the game is how original it was for a block stacking game. The fact that it includes a picture mode (can't remember the exact name) and a furious multiplayer mode is just a kicker to the fantastic single player 'challenge' and 'skin' modes.
As most people have been saying, great game. Best on PSP. Get it.
95
Before I bought the PSP, I had a few games in mind to buy along with it, Lumines being one of them. After reading the excellent reviews on the web, my mind was made up and I certainly wasn't disappointed.
The first skin really pulls you into the game with the intoxicating music and booming sound effects. (I love that song too). Later, the games starts to get even better with more great music ('shake ya body' is one of my favourites) and the pace picks up, making for a more challenging gameplay experience. And the visuals in this game are almost as good as the music, with each one showcasing a unique and colorful experience. This game has very few faults, virtually none that I can think of. The only one could be that of the thin versus mode. Other than that, this is a great game, no, an excellent game, even genre-defining. This has raised the bar for puzzle games and Kaz, we have truly left the gaming ghetto.
95
Lumines for PSP is truly the one game you have to get, if you've no other choice. Sure, other games may be fun, but this is the game that goes with you everywhere. This is the one you show to friends. This is THE game you are proud to own. get it, no doubt.
Build blocks, add more pieces, build more and more! Combo it up!
What more can you ask? My only gripe? Coud I get a tutorial before the first game? I figured it out after a while, but dang! Hook me up with a how-to at the start.
84
Addicting at the start but once you reach a plateau in your high scores it takes too long to get back to a high score
100
Singlehandedly, the best PSP game on the market in simple play-time. This game is absurdly addicting, rediculously simple and engaging, and will eat more of your time than you will realize. Graphically, audibility, and simplistic controls are the best features, and the multiple modes make for many hours wasted. One of the few games that I would consider for a perfect score and not rethink it.
90
This is easily one of the best PSP games available around so far. If you enjoy strange music games like REZ, Amplitude or Beatmania on the one side, and puzzlers like Tetris or PuyoPop on the other, you can't go wrong with Lumines. It's a mix of Puyo and REZ from hitmakerTetsuya Mizuguchi.
One more time he has delivered his genius in gaming form, blending addictive puzzling with making music. Every move, every SFX in the level makes a different sound, when added to the perfect background music makes the whole experience just brilliant. If you don't understand weird, Japanese music games - forget Lumines, but if you love them - go for it ASAP.
97
I know there have been alot of reviews for Lumines, but I know alot of you still haven't picked this up. For those of you who haven't, you are making a big mistake. Don't pass this one up. Let me start by saying this is my best PSP game. I have Tony Hawk U2 REMIX, RR, and Wipeout. Personally I think Lumines is the best out of these. I was worried about spending $40 on a puzzle game, but I was not dissaponted. I spent more time on this game than any of the other games.
In Lumines the point is to eliminate blocks of the same color by making 4X4 boxes of the same color. This may not seem fun at all but trust me, it is. The gameplay in Lumines is suprisingly fun. It is not a boring puzzle game. You will keep on coming back to this game to try to beat your high score. The visuals in this game are pretty good for a puzzle game. The variety of skins are great and amusing. There is not much more you can say about the graphics.
Another great aspect in Lumines is the audio. The songs match the puzzle setting perfectly. After playing Lumines for a week you will find yourself humming songs like shinin and shake your body. The sound is very well done. Loading times although noticable, are not long at all as it is a 2D puzzle game.
If there were any bad things to say about Lumines it would be that there is no online play and that it is toooo addicting. But in my opinion it is currently the best PSP game out.
95
Music and motion are in perfect syncronicity in this outstanding fusion of the senses.
Move fast and make the right choices and you'll score major points. Make wrong stacks and pack 'em high and you'll find trouble. It's for the fast-witted and quick thinker in all of us.
What's most interetsing is that, at first, one would think of this to be a new Tetris for PSP. However that is certainly an understatement. This widescreen puzzle game is simply a 50/50 mutt of music making and skillful puzzle-play. Make music as you make blocks and get rid of them.
There is a slight learning curve to this game, so anyone expecting a Tetris-simple game is in for a surprise. Nonetheless it is an amazing title and should be in everyone's library.
100
I don't know what it is about this game but once you start it's hard to stop. I even got my wife hooked onto this game. I'm a Video Game Pusher!!!!
100
I find myself humming or singing the tracks during the day from playing the night before. It just gets into your head in a good way. I wish there was a way to just play the music tracks on their own.
The 1p modes are more than enough to keep you coming back for more. I have yet to get bored as just ecking out another block always seems possible, or so you hope.
I was skeptical at first thinking "it's a puzzle game..and I've played tetris years ago", but I was dead wrong. It has definately become my most played game so far, and I don't see it falling off my highlights.
(BTW - Anyone remember KLAX for Atari Lynx? )
75
At this price for a tetris clone I wasn't expecting much. I purchased it anyway for my wife to play. Little did I realize she would never get a chance to play it. It is well worth the money. This highly addictive title will easily absorb you when you got time to kill.
I have a few problems with the game however. From level to level the difficulty doesn't change much. The speed also takes a while to become a real challenge.
There is no way for two people to play each other on the same machine without digging around in sub menus. This should be alot easier to pick what profile I am playing as.
I agree with having to start at level 1 is a drag. There is no way to just play some of that music.
75
I think this is going to be the first AVERAGE review of Lumines. Yes, this game is innovative. Yes, it does have some interesting music. Yes, it's fun for the first week. But, when it comes down to it, it's not the BEST game, like everyone is claiming it to be.
Gamespot.com gave this game a 9.0 out of 10. Giving it the highest review of all the release games for the PSP. I don't agree with this. This game is fun, but after playing it for 2 hours, I found myself wondering why everyone says it's so good. The game modes are essentially the same. And the 2 player versus mode gets old REALLY fast.
Challenge mode is by far the most popular. You play the standard game, trying to clear boxes and move onto higher levels. It's nice that the different levels have different music, different colour tiles, and differing speeds, but it's just frustrating having to start on the same first level everytime you lose. Trying to unlock skins in this fashion is a hard task if you just don't have the patience of doing the same first 6 levels over and over again.
Vs. Computer mode is just annoying. The computer AI seems to differ with each attempt. I've been able to defeat the first 4 opponents on one try, then lose to the first guy on another! This mode is just way too difficult.
Another weird thing is that in either VERSUS (computer or player) mode, the tiles you get, in comparison to your opponents, are DIFFERENT!!! How is this fair? Remember Tetris, when you and your opponent get the same blocks, and whoever uses them better/faster wins the match? NO, in Lumines you get different tiles, so whoever gets the more "beneficial" ones, gets an instant advantage!
Puzzle mode is fun, but not very rewarding. You try to build shapes (ie. cross, animals) with the blocks and complete tasks (clear screen, get a certain number of clears) with a time limit. But after a certain point, there are no more new puzzles! Instead they just do a 2x (do two) of everything you did before. Sloppy...
Overall, this game is fun to pick up and play. On the bus, on the plane, on the toilet. And yes, it is addictive... for the first 2 weeks or so. Until you get as far and as high level as you can get. Then the game gets frustrating and boring. The same skins played over and over loses it's appeal in no time...
I wouldn't be surprised if players went to PSP Saves sites to look for higher game saves just to get more skins. Lazy? Yes. But I don't want to have to sit in front of my PSP for 5 hours at a time, trying to get to level 80 just so I can unlock some more skins.
98
This game has made the entire purchase worth it. I love to see other people get addicted to it in under a minute. Everyone always talks about what they liked, so I am going to keep this short.
Gripes
They should have a restart current game, to prevent loading again.
The should have made it easier to switch between players, way to many menus to go through to change users.
96
what a timesink! and I mean that in a good way.
puzzle games have always been at the core of handheld gaming, and this one feels perfect for the PSP. If I didn't own it.. (actually maybe it owns me) my train ride would be a lot more boring. <shake ya body>
95
It's that good. Ever since I heard that the maker of Rez was making a new game for the PSP, I was super excited about it and it's turned out just perfectly. I don't think they can really improve the game any further than what they've done. The music, the visuals, the gameplay... They all just mix perfectly and the replay value just seems sky high with all of the skins and icons to unlock. Highly recommended!
100
At first i didn't know that this game is gonna be one of my favorite game. i just thought that this kind of game usually will have great replay value, so i got it. then i started to like this game and eventually got addicted to it. i ended up spending most of my time playing on this game than any other games on my psp. i think this game is a great buy.
95
Well, I love puzzle games and I was unbelievably excited when I saw the premise of the game. The graphics are stunning. The gameplay is surprisingly very deep with the game offering 3 different 1 player modes and a versus mode.
"VS CPU" mode. This is a split screen style battle between you and the computer. If you clear blocks, you can actually move the line in between you and the computer to decrease their play area and increase yours! You can knock them all the way down to 4 columns. You progress through the same levels each time versus different opponets. The music, block theme, and background all match the opponent you are facing.
"Puzzle Mode" I will have to say that this is quite difficult. You have to form a series of blocks based on the shape that they give you. You progress through the levels (I'm only on 3 ), and if you die, they keep a list of the levels in order so you can start at any point you left off.
"2P VS Mode" I have not yet played anybody, but I would imagine it is just like the VS CPU mode. If you look in options, the game actually keeps a record of all of the VS mode games you have played.
Overall, this game was definitely worth $40 and I could not be more pleased with the quality of the graphics and music. This game definitely keeps me coming back.
88
Lumines is faster paced and more stylized than any other puzzle game I have ever played. I recommend this game for it's great graphics, addictive gameplay and for it's ability to entertain you.
95
i bought lumines for my gf, and now she won't return my PSP! how am i supposed to finish RR?
the soundtrack is FANTASTIC - clear, engaging, and so cool. and the graphics are.... well.... i can't find words to describe it.... just so.... beautiful
and it's a reallly challenging game too. a must-have for any PSP owner!
98
I picked up Lumines as a game to play when I didn't feel like playing Wipeout Pure or Untold Legends. It was bought under the assumption I'd only want to play it when I was bored with everything else - despite I really thought it sounded great. I've had the PSP for 25 hours now, and I've logged more time on Lumines than any other game. I never knew a puzzle game could be this addicting (not since Tetris) the music, the gameplay, everything hits a positive note. I'd like to write a three page review outlining all the features and unique properties Lumines has. I'd never do it justice; the game is simply one that must be played. No matter how many good things you read, no matter how high of ratings it gets, nothing really does it justice. Rent it, borrow it from a friend, go out and buy it - just make sure you at least give Lumines a try.
95
There is one title among the PSP's launch lineup that really has me excited. It's not an EA game. It's not the Metal Gear Solid turned Yu-Gi-oh from the programmers at Konami. It's Lumines.
Lumines design is more than addictive. Tetsuya Mizuguchi has seamlessly blended gameplay, music, and graphics into one cohesive and mesmerizing package. Lumines is the one launch title that I see myself playing for a long periop of time. I can honestly see myself going back to this game long after the "new-game smell" wears off the rest of the launch lineup.
If you're looking for one great game to grab on launch day with your PSP make this title it. There may be other, more glamorous, choices in the PSP launch lineup but you'd be hard pressed to find a better title than this. It's really that good.
100
I enjoyed playing lumines, it would take a real pro to really beat this game in less than 30 mins its all music till the end, tons of music levels. When you unlock those levels (skins) you can play em again and hear the song again and play as long as you want. It's really worth gettin if youre a fan of music and sounds and tunes and of course, Puzzles with ever changing color and background.
85
This is a great little time consuming game. Much related to tetris this will keep anyone occupied for hours on end. Along with a brilliant soundtrack its a great game. Only thing I found a little annoying was the game modes, they are essentially the same (apart from puzzle mode). Puzzle mode, I love - trying to build the shapes is a challening addition (The animal shapes were novel). This is also the sort of game that will challenge and entertain anyone.
95
Lumines, brought to you by Tetsuya Mizuguchi, producer for Rez, Space Channel 5 and Sega Rally, is a puzzle game to say the least. However, like Rez, it has an interesting aspect, Lumines is also a music game.
Gameplay is comparable to Tetris but instead of clearing lines of blocks to score and progress levels, you clear four by four blocks. Depending on where you place the blocks affects the way the music is played. Dropping a block in the first two columns may add a bass line, dropping another one in the last two columns may add in lyrics and so on...
There are six options in the main menu.
Similar to Tetris you play until and score as many points as possible, after a song finishes the blocks change and the next song plays.
This mode allows you to play a single song on repeat, the skins are earned by reaching new songs in challenge mode or by defeating opponents in VS CPU Mode. The song is accompanied by a different board look and different style blocks.
There are four options in time attack mode, which are 60, 180, 300 and 600 seconds. The point of time attack mode is to clear as many blocks as possible before the time limit is reached.
This mode allows you to play against another Lumines owner via WiFi.
In this mode you play against the CPU. Each time you clear a block it "attacks" the CPU's board which makes it smaller and makes your side bigger. Each time you beat a new CPU opponent you receive their avatar and a new skin for single skin mode.
In this mode you have a time limit to make a certain shape.
* Button Assign: Change the buttons.
* VS History: Keeps track of who you have played against in VS 2P Mode.
* Score Ranking: Keeps track of high scores.
* Character Edit: This option has four more options:
* Edit Character: Allows you to edit a previously created profile for the game.
* Create Character: Allows you to create a profile for the game, you pick a name and avatar for yourself here.
* Change Character: If you have multiple profiles you can switch between them here.
* Delete Character: Delete one of the profiles you have if you have more than one.
* Credit: Scrolls the credits.
This game is extremely addictive and for the most part the music is terrific. However, to fully appreciate the sound quality I would recommend that Lumines be played while wearing headphones. My ONLY gripe about this game is when you lose in challenge mode or VS CPU mode, you can not continue from where you lost you have to start all over again...
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