Bust-A-Move 3

If as big a puzzle game fan as the next guy. I But to me, the Bust-A-Move games only serve as a trivial (but fun) distraction. Why? Succeeding in Bust-A-Move requires careful aiming, not brainpower. It takes very little skill and strategy to play this game, whereas most other puzzle games demand thinking and planning to score high. What it boils down to is this: If you can gauge the placement of the balls well enough, you will kick butt. If not, you will get frustrated. The two-player games are fun, but they aren't without their problems. First, all you really have to do is stack balls on one skinny extension, then cut it off at the top. Doing this will throw lots of extra balls in your opponent's court. It's too easy and mindless. Second, once players figure this strategy out, games are over really quickly. More often than not, it's first-to-strike equals first-to-win. Crispin and I played against each other, and none of the matches lasted over a minute (we took turns slaughtering each other). I prefer a balanced game with long, back-and-forth battles. Bust-A-Move 3 is fun--don't get me wrong-but I just prefer more mentally challenging puzzle games. Plus, even with the few extra features in 3 (best one being multiple characters with unique attacks), it's still the same game at heart. If you've played 2, then 3 won't hold your attention for long.

I may be in the minority here, but I like the Bust-A-Move games more than Super Puzzle Fighter II Turbo, Baku Baku and other combo-heavy puzzle titles. The gameplay is faster and more exciting--especially in Two-player Mode. (Plus, it's one of the few puzzle games at which I can beat Shoe.) This new installment is the best yet, with selectable characters and some cool new gameplay twists. You even get hundreds of archived puzzles.

I may be in the minority here, but I like the Bust-A-Move games more than Super Puzzle Fighter II Turbo, Baku Baku and other combo-heavy puzzle titles. The gameplay is faster and more exciting--especially in Two-player Mode. (Plus, it's one of the few puzzle games at which I can beat Shoe.) This new installment is the best yet, with selectable characters and some cool new gameplay twists. You even get hundreds of archived puzzles.

Bub and Bob return in a successful sequel to their puzzle adventure. Sporting improved graphics, new competitors and a few additional power-ups, Bust-A-Move 3 is a must for fans of the original. Probably the best new feature is the enhanced Puzzle Mode, now with the ability to launch off the ceiling, sticky blocks and more. While not a major improvement in gameplay, it's a lot of fun. You'll love the hundreds of sample levels.