Lumines II

Lumines II is on its way to the PSP. The original game, a launch title for the PSP, was as simple as Tetris, and as addictive as Heroin, so naturally there is much enthusiasm over the sequel. But I find myself wondering – given that the game has no plot to continue, and no intense graphics to improve (while it may have looked polished, Lumines’ charm was all it its gameplay) – whether there is much point in making a follow-up. After all, there is no ‘Heroin II’.

That aside, though: the game is sounding pretty good. The formula is exactly the same and, at least in the case of the main challenge mode, nothing much is being altered in terms of gameplay. But the largely static backgrounds are being replaced with full motion video (potentially distracting, but also aesthetically pleasing). We can also expect new special blocks, the effects of which are not yet known, and a solution to Lumines’ relatively low score cap – providing further challenge for puzzle veterans.

Dress it up as they might, however, Lumines II is essentially going to be the same game as Lumines. Only better. So perhaps don’t think of it as the sequel to your drug of choice – it’s just a purer, more refined version of it. And regardless of the value, you’re probably going to need a fix. Expect it to hit the streets near the end of this year…