Pop’s simple name embodies its straightforward concept: pop bubbles. The developer is betting that its simple nature will translate into an addictive one, like many Flash games popular on the Internet.

Gameplay in Pop is extremely basic and quick to pick up. Bubbles swiftly scroll across the screen and can be popped by pointing at them and pressing the A button. Popping sound effects and rumble are activated on the Wii Remote. In timed mode, a counter limits playtime, but time can be extended indefinitely simply by popping bubbles. Larger bubbles award more time while smaller ones give more points. Different bubble popping strategies balance gaining bonus points and time vs. losing time. Missing bubbles deducts three seconds from the timer.

Bonus points are gained when overlapping bubbles are popped. Players can also form chains by selectively popping bubbles of the same shade. Bubbles can be grabbed by holding the A button, and shaking the controller vigorously will cause the bubble to expand in size. Upon release, the bubble will pop similar bubbles and push others out of the way. As the game progresses, the ambient background color periodically changes along with the direction of bubble flow.

To keep the gameplay interesting, Pop adds a few different kinds of bubbles. Multiplier bubbles multiply scoring runs. Target-emblazoned bubbles change the size of the targeting reticule. Skull bubbles should be avoided, because they steal precious seconds off of the timer. Flashlight bubbles reduce the viewing area to a small area around the reticule, emulating a flashlight. Nuke bubbles blast many other bubbles, including other special bubbles. Other specials include one that slow down time and one that electrifies your target cursor, which can then be used to stun other players.

As Pop is designed with a pick-up-and-play mentality, up to four players can join in the game at any time. Players will have to balance competition and cooperation; players can compete for high scores if they wish, but can’t mess their comrades up too much lest the time expire on the whole group.

The game includes a few basic game modes: timed, puzzle, and combo. Pop also includes a set of achievements of sorts. Badges are earned for completing various goals within the game such as long runs of chains. The goals are straightforward and include the same basic goals with several increasing increments. High scores are also recorded and include both local and worldwide score tables.

Pop accomplishes everything its name implies, and the game is quite polished. The big question that remains is how long the effervescent novelty will last. Personally, I don’t see myself playing this for very long due to a slow ramp up of difficulty and lack of diversity. However, I see the potential for competition with the online leaderboards. It will be particularly interesting to see whether this simple style of game becomes popular on WiiWare.