Review: Planet Puzzle League (DS)

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Good: Tried-and-true puzzle action, online features

Bad: Nothing particularly new

Portable gaming systems and puzzle games have gone hand-in-hand since Tetris and the original Game Boy. They're the perfect genre for pick-up-and-play gaming, and Planet Puzzle League is no exception.

For those unfamiliar with Tetris Attack, the concept is a little different than the standard "falling blocks" format. Rather, the blocks creep up from the bottom with gradually increasing speed. Using the stylus (or the inferior d-pad if you prefer), it's your job to move the blocks left and right in an effort to string at least three of them together. It's played in the same fashion as the first Brain Age, meaning you hold the DS like an open book instead of the usual way.

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Advanced players will utilize techniques like chaining multiple lines together for more points. The gameplay isn't overly complex at all, but it's certainly entertaining and rewarding.

On top of the standard mode, there are also Daily Play and Puzzle options. It also features a well-utilized Online mode, complete with voice chat. Multiplayer also adds powerups to the action, giving you a chance to get the upper hand on that 8-year old Japanese kid that keeps kicking your ass.

Planet Puzzle League doesn't reinvent the wheel by any means. It pretty much just adds stylus and online support to a tried-and-true format, but it's still as fun as ever.

Graphics: 6.5

Sound: 7.5

First Play: 8.0

Replay Value: 9.0

Gameplay: 8.5

Overall: 8.5

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