Topic: Pokemon Puzzle League

[NWR_Josh]

In preperation for the new generation of Pokemon, Josh gives an old game another go.

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/extralife/25528

Pokémon Puzzle League is a game that was released a little over 10 years ago for the Nintendo 64. Aside from it being a puzzle-based Pokémon game, there are several other things that set it apart from the rest of the Pokémon franchise. First, it’s the only game that is based off of the anime. Second, It was only released in North America and Europe (Japan got a handheld version). Lastly, It has little to do with actual Pokémon. Nonetheless, the game is addicting, and for good reason.

The game has scores of different modes. There’s the single-player campaign that takes you through the different gyms and Elite Four from Kanto. This is accompanied by the two-player arena, where you can play against friends. There is also a University where you can go train and learn different combos, as well as a “Spa Service” where Team Rocket wears different disguises that put your puzzle prowess to the test.

DAMN YOU, TEAM ROCKET!

The rules of the game are fairly easy to pick up on, especially since it is based on Nintendo’s Panel de Pon series, which is more widely recognized in North America as Tetris Attack or Puzzle League. You are presented with a bunch of blocks with symbols on them (fire, water, leaves, circles, etc.). It’s your mission, nay duty, to match these pieces up with others like it. You must do this while new rows of new blocks are added every couple of seconds. If you string enough of these blocks together, they transform into giant blocks that land on your opponent’s blocks. If you, or your opponent, isn’t quick enough in matching up blocks and your blocks reach the top of the screen, then it is game over.

Now, it’s been a good couple of years since I played this game, and dear Thor in Asgard, this game is still as awesome as I remember it. When I started playing through this game, I breezed through Easy mode. I thought to myself “Ha! This game is a joke. I’m the best Pokémon Puzzle Master in the World!” As I continued on to Medium, I felt a tad more challenged. The clicking of the cursor echoed through the room while my eyes were fixated on the blocks as they fell into place. “Hmph. You almost had me there, game. But I am still a champion of champions! What else do you got?”

Then Hard mode came up next. I was nervous, but as I pressed the A button, I steadied myself. I continued to create combos and string blocks together, wiping the sweat from my brow and keeping my fingers ever busy. I could never rest. I had to become a champion. I ended up using about one continue a round, to my dismay, but I did it. I became a Pokémon Puzzle League Champion. Then I was tempted with Very Hard Mode, which I am still trying to beat.

Even Gary came along for the ride.

The moral of the story is this: PokĂ©mon Puzzle League is addicting. The game has a great structure thanks to the PokĂ©mon theme and gym leaders. I remember picking it up as a kid just because Ash was on the cover, but picking it up a week ago was the worst decision I could make during my first week of school. PokĂ©mon Puzzle League will make you forget about the outside world. The game mechanics are solid. You pick up fast and then you play faster. The music is nostalgic for anyone who watched the show or listened to the ever classic 2BA Master soundtrack. The music even changes and gets faster when you’re in danger. The visuals are pleasant and  nice too look at.

I’m really glad I picked this game back up and gave it another shot. The nostalgia was overwhelming, and the replay value is amazing. There’s no better way to get psyched up for the new Pokémon games that are coming out this Sunday then by playing your way through Pokémon Puzzle League.

[TJ Spyke]

Wasn't Pokemon Snap sorta based on the anime? The star of the game was based on the character of Todd in the show.

I loved Pokémon Puzzle League, it was one of my favorite N64 games and my first exposure to Panel de Pon (I had never played Tetris Attack). The Pokemon aspects did make it even more enjoyable, and I have no doubt it helped the game sell better.

[Ian Sane]

Never played this version since I had Tetris Attack.  But Panel de Pon is a mandatory play in some format.  I would consider Tetris to be it's only superior in the genre.

The other day I was thinking about Nintendo's puzzle games.  Obviously Tetris doesn't really count but for Nintendo originals they made Dr. Mario, Tetris Attack, Tetris 2, Yoshi, Yoshi's Cookie, Mario's Picross, Kirby's Star Stacker, Wario's Woods, Tetrisphere.  That's a pretty awesome run of puzzle games during the 90's.  But I realize that aside from Polarium they haven't really done since then in the genre.  Maybe they just ran out of ideas?  I don't know but it used to be something Nintendo was pretty damn good at.  With handhelds being so big for them and puzzle games being so ideal for that format you figure this would still be a priority for them.

[yoshi1001]

"First, it’s the only game that is based off of the anime."
 
I'm pretty sure Channel counts in this area.
 
"Then I was tempted with Very Hard Mode, which I am still trying to beat."
 
There's actually a Super Hard difficulty after that, by the way.
 
PPL is a statistical oddity in so many ways: A game with FMV on N64, a Pokemon game that never came out in Japan (even on VC, I think). It's also the only version with 3D mode. I really like it (I actually wrote a FAQ for it you can see on GameFAQs), but haven't picked it up on VC.

[NWR_pap64]

I think I can clear up the confusion regarding if the game was based on the anime or not...

There's Pokemon Snap, which featured the photographer. He made an appearance in a couple of the episodes, but it is likely that was made so the character would be promoted through the anime. The story in Pokemon Snap was in no way related to the series. Yes, Oak made an appearance, but he was the Pokemon professor at the time.

Pokemon Channel had some anime elements, but they were very light.

Puzzle League had an animated intro that featured the original voice acting from the series, as well as many references and characters from the series, like Tracy Sketchit. It even had some references to the movies, like the viking costumes Team Rocket wears in the first movie.

So Puzzle League in technicality may indeed be directly based and inspired by the TV series.

[NWR_insanolord]

What about Pokemon Yellow? That was clearly heavily influenced by the amine.