It's been quite a while since Switch Online's SNES and NES Online libraries have been updated with new games. There are four new games total for me to check out, and I'm starting with the one I'm most excited about. BACKGROUND:
My enjoyment of match-3 puzzle games (and other games of that nature) needs no introduction, so it should come as no surprise that I was incredibly hyped to see Panel de Pon make it into the SNES Online library. My knowledge of the game itself is based purely on its representation in Smash Bros., though I am familiar with and have played some games that have the exact same gameplay (including Tetris Attack, which is what this game is known as outside of Japan). SUMMARY: As established, Panel de Pon is a match-3 puzzle game. If you don't know what that means, other games that fit that genre include titles like Bejeweled or Candy Crush. Like most other games of its kind, Panel de Pon's mechanics are simple: clear blocks by matching three or more of the same color, done so by swapping their positions. Unlike modern entries in the genre, Panel de Pon only allows you to switch blocks horizontally. The limitation isn't really a hindrance, as it lends itself well to setups and combo-heavy gameplay. When you successfully match blocks, any blocks above will cascade and fall down. This can lead to some Puyo Puyo-style chain reactions that give you a ton of point. If you're quick enough, you can even swap other blocks on the board while blocks are in the middle of clearing, making games feel fast-paced and intense (especially in versus). The goal of Panel de Pon leans more towards survival as opposed to simply clearing the board. New rows of blocks are added at regular intervals, with the speed gradually increasing the longer you play. If your board is completely filled with blocks, it's game over. Other than the pain of loss, I did not find any major penalty to getting game overs in the single player modes. In versus, the goal of survival is pushed to the limit, as getting big combos and matches sends garbage to the opponent's board (and vice versa). Clearing that garbage is simple (clear blocks adjacent to it) yet deceptively challenging, and the way it works lends itself well to harrowing down-to-the-wire moments. Speaking of single player, there are many modes to choose from:
There's of course the option to play two-player, which includes versus (of course). There's another mode in there, but I couldn't figure out what it is because a) I have no second player to try it out with, and b) it's in Japanese. In terms of presentation, the chibi anime art style is cute, colorful, and well-done (the sprites look pretty impressive), and the music is solid (though not particularly outstanding). The characters also have "voices," and given my experience with some of the Puyo Puyo games, it may get annoying the longer you play. The character designs are very cutesy and magical girl-esque, and while I have no strong feelings about it personally, I could easily see people either really liking it or really hating it. In any case, all that stuff is reserved for the background and the cutscenes anyway, so you don't have to look at it if you really don't want to. VERDICT: Panel de Pon is a pretty simple puzzle game, but that doesn't stop it from being a super engaging, borderline addictive experience. For me, it scratches that same itch games like Tetris does, and if you feel similarly, this game is a must-play. Whether you take on the various single player modes, or duke it out in versus with a friend, it's sure to be a blast. - end -
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July 2024
Derryck
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