Although not as universally recognized as Tetris, Lumines certainly holds its ground and can be compared favorably with it, being one of the most notable falling-block puzzle games in the gaming world.
The two collections exhibit a fascinating link, which can be most vividly demonstrated through Tetris Effect – a blend of the classic puzzle mechanics of Tetris and the visually and aurally captivating style synonymous with Tetsuya Mizuguchi’s works.
Presently, things are coming full circle, as the freshly released Lumines Arise seems to draw inspiration from the Tetris Effect handbook. We’ve invested some time with the playable demo – accessible until the end of 3rd September – and have been left with a renewed appreciation for how unique this approach truly is.
In Lumines, you’ll find that 2×2 grid-like structures composed of two distinctly colored blocks descend onto the play area. Your objective is to strategically arrange these blocks to create 2×2 (or larger) grids of the same color. Once matched, these grids are eliminated from the field as a timeline moves across them in harmony with the game’s rhythmic music.
Just like many engaging falling-block puzzles, its guidelines are straightforward, yet it hides layers of complexity once you’ve mastered it. Clearing four or more 2×2 squares simultaneously triggers a combination that, with consistent execution, yields high scores.
Gravity plays a crucial role as well; differently from Tetris, blocks tend to settle into any empty area they find below them, leading to various planning and strategic considerations.
In essence, the core principles that drive Lumines’ appeal are found in Arise as well. It continues to captivate, hook, and fulfill through its intricate puzzle gameplay. Yet, it’s the dazzling visual style that elevates it, making a striking impact.
In this showcase, the design principle has consistently been about merging puzzle challenges with audio and visual elements, and this concept is taken to a whole new level in this instance.
Despite having just three stages in the singleplayer demo, there’s an obvious diversity in the music and themes. Soothing voices are heard as a shadowy figure strolls mysteriously behind you; synth sounds echo through a more abstract, colorful realm of black and pink; and two chameleons move to faster, heart-pounding rhythms.
As a hardcore gamer, I’ve got to say, this game is a visual spectacle that leaves Tetris Effect in its dust! It’s so immersive and vibrant that sometimes it feels like sensory overload, yet never once did I find myself lost or confused during gameplay.
As a dedicated gamer, I can’t help but be captivated by the game’s immersive experience. The crystal-clear images, coupled with the lively animated backgrounds and vibrant colors that truly come alive as I string together combos, create an incredibly satisfying and engrossing gaming environment. When accompanied by the right music, this game takes me in like few others do, especially when played with a good quality pair of headphones.
Although Arise may seem glamorous with its fancy lights, it introduces a significant new element to the fundamental gameplay. As you progress through the game, a percentage figure appears above the timeline and accumulates over time. When this number reaches 50% or more, you gain the ability to activate Burst.
Pausing momentarily the elimination of a specific color-coded blocks in the timeline lets you pile up that color for an immense combination. The longer the duration when activated (depending on the percentage), the more time you have to build this combination.
After finishing, your sequence explodes, allowing blocks of the opposite color to return to the playing field for another combination, resulting in an incredibly satisfying reward.
This tool is ideal when you find yourself in tricky situations, and undoubtedly aids you in attaining the best results achievable.
In the multiplayer part of the demo, a brand new game mode called Burst Battle has been introduced. This is a thrilling, head-to-head competition where filling squares and executing combos results in sending trash towards your opponent.
Excess trash accumulates on both sides of the playing area, gradually reducing the space and increasing the difficulty of playing efficiently.
By employing Burst, you can swiftly regain momentum. If you effectively utilize this feature, it allows for a strategic reversal, empowering you to counteract your rival – a maneuver that was not consistently achievable in the previous version of the Lumines’ competitive mode.
It’s noteworthy that Arise offers numerous user-friendly accessibility features, enabling you to customize the game to better cater to your preferences. For instance, you have the option to lessen the intensity of the animations and special effects if the original setting proves overwhelming.
Moreover, the ‘No-Stress Lumines’ feature provides you with the flexibility to pause the falling blocks, prevent game losses, or even do both. This gives you an opportunity to learn, relax, or enjoy a less intense gaming experience.
From our brief experience, playing just a few levels and one multiplayer option, the Lumines Arise demo leaves us optimistic about the final version’s quality.
The fundamental version of this game has never felt stronger; it responds and feels intuitive, while its visual and audio enhancements take it to unprecedented levels.
What remains uncertain is whether there are more gameplay options and enhancements available. We already have the single-player Journey mode with over 35 levels, and we’ve learned about the multiplayer Burst Battle feature. Is there anything else to expect?
In the demonstration, you’ll find Missions (a collection of escalating tasks), Playlists (an option to play your preferred unlocked levels in any sequence), and a feature called Loomii-Pon, which appears to be where you can personalize your in-game character.
As a passionate gamer, I can’t help but feel optimistic about the prospect of discovering more gameplay styles similar to Tetris Effect. However, there’s still some time until the November release of Arise, so I’m eagerly looking forward to uncovering all that this new offering has in store for us.
Did you enjoy the demonstration of Lumines Arise on PS5 as much as we did? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section!
Read More
- Gold Rate Forecast
- GBP USD PREDICTION
- One Piece’s Anime Unveils First Look at the Final Saga’s Best Scene
- PI PREDICTION. PI cryptocurrency
- Ozzy Osbourne and the Memecoin Madness: When Death Becomes a Crypto Trend
- BTC PREDICTION. BTC cryptocurrency
- GBP AED PREDICTION
- STETH GBP PREDICTION. STETH cryptocurrency
- SPX PREDICTION. SPX cryptocurrency
- Diddy and Son Justin Accused of ‘Brutal’ Rape in New Lawsuit
2025-08-28 21:07