Bust A Move 4 Game by Taito (released by Acclaim) Reviewed by Drystein DryStein@aol.com Save: None particularly needed, none included Released: 1999 Works with: Color Gameboy, with b&w support **************************************************************************** Opening Snide Remarks: I've been addicted to this game for years. This game is the sole reason that I got a Color Gameboy **************************************************************************** Gameplay Descripion: Hopefully, you know the routine. There are colored balls in a more or less random order at the top of the screen, and you shoot other colored balls at them. If you get three of the same color together, they pop. If there are balls sticking to the underside of the balls which you have just popped, they fall and provide your computer opponent with a hassle. There are three modes, Puzzle, Player Vs. CPU and Challenge. Puzzle is simply a matter of breaking all of the balls before the "timer", which comes in the form of a lowering ceiling, runs out. Player Vs. CPU puts to head to head against a variety of computer players. Challenge gives you certain tasks and grades you appropriately. There is, unfortunately, no 2 player mode. This seems damnably idiotic. Liked: The cleanest, most intuitive puzzle gameplay ever. Hated: No two player! **************************************************************************** Graphics Description: Welllll... This isn't quite your PSX or Saturn BAM. Nor should you expect it to be. It seems that the game, which was marketed as a Color Gameboy game, uses very little of the machine's capabilities. That being said, however, the color, when used, is more or less effective. For some of the balls, patterns were used instead of colors. I suppose this was done to keep it b&w compatible, but it is a nuisance until your eyes properly acclimate to the subtle color scheme. Liked: This game, like Tetris, does not rely on graphics in the least. Hated: Inefficient use of the Color Gameboy capabilities **************************************************************************** Sound/Music Description: It is no better or worse than what you'd expect from a puzzle game. Unfortunately, the typical chicken-like "BrAwwwK!" sound is nowhere to be found. Liked: Wasn't annoying. Hated: Where's THE noise at?! **************************************************************************** Play Control/Game Design: It plays the way Bust A Move ought to play. 'nuff said. Liked: It works. Hated: Nothing. **************************************************************************** Improve: TWO PLAYER. RIYL: If you enjoy games with immense replay value, this is it. A Puzzler that just gets better after every game. **************************************************************************** Final Words: Perfect, portable bliss. **************************************************************************** Score Gameplay: ***** Graphics: **** Sound/Music: **** Play Control/Game Design: ***** Personal Opinion: ***** Total: 23 Final Score: 92% **************************************************************************** Currently Known Codes: None.