Meteos
Finally there is a reason to own a Nintendo DS, Meteos
Meteos is a puzzle game. Think of it as Tetris for 21st century. Different type of blocks fall and you have to drag them within their column to form a group of 3 or more vertically or horizontally. Instead of disappearing like most puzzle games, the blocks take off as a rocket. Lifting all of the blocks above it. You can then combo more groups in the launch group to get a more powerful blast off. Once the blocks clear the screen they get sent to your opponent’s screen if playing against someone or to an AI’s screen if you’re playing in the star trip mode.
This twist is where the genius of the game lies. Instead of becoming repetitive after awhile like most puzzle games, Meteos stays fresh due to varied game play. Each of the planets has a set of variables that differentiates it from the others. One planet the meteos clear the screen almost instantly. While another has super gravity and takes multiple combos to clear the screen. Some vertical groups don’t go any where. On others they act as a booster. The differences make for a nice challenge in game play, especially in star trip mode where your moving from one random planet to another and have to figure out how to beat it.
The other great thing is that every block that clears the screen goes into a sort of bank. You can then use the different types of blocks to purchase new planets, sounds, and power ups. It’s a nice way of unlocking content since it gives you a bit more control over what content you get and when. You don’t have to bother with the cheaper items if you want to save up from the start for the more expensive ones.
The only real knock if have against it is that it only has LAN multiplayer play. Internet play would have made it perfect. I’d love to be able to play friends that live in other states or around the world. Overall it’s a great game though and a must have for any DS owner.