E3: Bust a Move 4 impressions

[05.15.00] » Puzzle Bobble fans, you know who you are. Everyone else, move along please.

   Just in case the Dreamcast was in jeopardy of falling below its "addictive but graphically simplistic puzzle game for an extremely powerful console" quota, those lovable dinosaurs Bub and Bob have returned once more in Bust a Move 4. While the core gameplay remains pretty much the same (okay, identical) to that of previous incarnations, there are a few additions to set this latest game apart from its predecessors. Naturally, there are new levels and obstacles to impede your destruction of those damnable colored bubbles, such as pulleys which will drop according to "weight" distribution as you eliminate parts of each side. And for those who feel the existing puzzles aren't enough, there's also a level editor to try your hand at. Also, there is now a pool of 8 characters including our friends Bub and Bob.

   If you're a huge fan of the Bust a Move series or if you're just looking for a little puzzle game action on your Dreamcast, this title will certainly hit the spot. Bust a Move 4 is certainly habit-forming, and some of the levels are fiendishly clever in their design. In fact, this is an excellent addition to any Dreamcast-owning puzzle fan's collection. However, if you're looking for games that will make full uze of your shiny new console's ample graphical muscle, Bust a Move 4 is not that title. In fact, Bust a Move 4 is that title's antithesis.