Game of the Year: #7 – Lumines Arise

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The goal for the Lumines games has always been straightforward: to blend the fun of puzzle-solving with mesmerizing music and graphics. Designer Tetsuya Mizuguchi wanted players to feel like they were experiencing a vibrant, immersive rave.

He first succeeded with the original PSP game, and every sequel has improved on that foundation by refining the gameplay, adding new features, and including fantastic music.

Following the release of the fantastic Tetris Effect, Lumines Arise is likely the strongest entry in the Lumines series, perfectly realizing the original vision of creator Mizuguchi after two decades.

The core idea of Lumines – fitting falling blocks into a grid to create same-color squares – is straightforward, but the game never feels stale. Like other puzzle games, it’s the player’s skill and choices that keep things engaging and fresh.

Each time you play feels fresh, as you constantly improve and discover new strategies. It’s a flexible game where experimentation is encouraged, and you don’t need to worry about being perfect.

Lumines has always had this core gameplay style. What sets Arise apart is its stunning visuals and the most comprehensive collection of modes and features seen in any Lumines game so far.

Beyond the fantastic main story mode, which guides you through diverse levels, the game offers a wealth of content. You can practice with numerous training missions, tackle unique challenges, compete against the clock in time attack, and enjoy the best multiplayer experience the series has ever offered.

Playing Lumines Arise is fantastic, and it’s even more immersive in PSVR2! Whether you prefer playing on a screen or in virtual reality, the game’s beautiful graphics, diverse music, and tons of content make it the best entry in the Lumines series yet, and one of the top PS5 games of 2025.

Push Square’s annual Game of the Year list is determined by votes from our team and frequent writers. We also consider the results of our community poll. Let us know what you think of our picks in the comments!

You can check out all of our Game of the Year coverage by clicking the link.

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2025-12-26 19:06