Bust a Move 3DX Game by Acclaim Reviewed by geezer http://geezer.homepage.dk/ Size: 2 megabits Save: No saves, no password Released: 1997 Works with: All gameboys, not designed for color. **************************************************************************** Opening Snide Remarks: Having played Tetris to death I figured that a new challenge was needed. Introducing Bust a Move 3DX, a welcome alternative to the ever popular Tetris. **************************************************************************** Gameplay Descripion: The aim of the game is to match balls by their 'colors'. You have a little harpoon like gun that sits fixed at the bottom of the screen. You can rotate the gun to aim your balls at the slowly descending balls at the top of the screen. Shoot your balls so that they hit similar balls. Get 3 or more together, and they disappear, taking any other lonely balls with them. If the balls cross your line, then your history. Don't take any breaks, shoot those balls quickly and accurately, or else you will meet a sudden demise.... There are three different game modes, Puzzle, Challenge and versus. Puzzle and Challenge give you a series of increasingly difficult screens to clear, and it does get tough, expecially challenge mode. Versus mode sees you playing against the computer (no link-up for 2 players!!). You clear balls, they appear on the computers side, and vice versa. Beat all of the CPU players for some useful cheat codes. Liked: Instant addiction, as was tetris all those years ago. Hated: Very little **************************************************************************** Graphics Description: The graphics look good. It may be hard to distinguish between some balls at the start but you get used to it. The balls are all the same color, but with a different shape within. The characters are well-drawn in a classic arcade way. Everything is well laid out and easy to understand. It can sometimes be hard to aim accurately, expecially under pressure, but then that is probably just my nerves. Liked: Doesn't rely on graphics. Hated: Again, not much to grumble about! **************************************************************************** Sound/Music Description: There are a few tunes here, and they're ok. The sound effects are functional and not annoying. You will turn the volume down after a while, like everybody else. Liked: Functional Sounds. Hated: Don't ask!! **************************************************************************** Play Control/Game Design: This is where the games quality is. All is perfect, or at least as close to perfect as can be. My only gripe is a lack of 2-player option. This is ideal for 2 players, yet it can't be done. Scandalous for those with friends. The controls are very responsive, and there are lots of levels to plough through, although it does get samey. Who cares, this is a great puzzle game, second to Tetris and Tetris Blast on SNES. Liked: Perfect gaming. Hated: No 2 player link-up option. **************************************************************************** Improve: 2 player option, full color support. (Strangely enough, there is a 'color' sequel which doesn't have a 2 player option, and a questionable use of the Gameboy Color capabilites!!) RIYL: Tetris, Tetris spinoffs, Dr.Mario, etc. There is also a BAM 2, and BAM4 almost in color. BAM4 despite being a sequel is worse than 3DX. **************************************************************************** Final Words: I've got blisters on my fingers but I really don't care!!! **************************************************************************** Score Gameplay: ***** Graphics: **** Sound/Music: *** Play Control/Game Design: ***** Personal Opinion: ***** Total: 22 Final Score: 88% **************************************************************************** Currently Known Codes: I can't find them, sorry! Editor's Note: I would like to applaud geezer on being able to say/write that gameplay description with a straight face. I couldn't keep a straight face editing it. Some superior humour in this one. Congratulations. This geezer ROCKS. -Philip Wesley, Senior Editor of dmgice.com-