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On June 4, I received my Nintendo Switch 2, and instead of diving straight into the latest Mario Kart, I found myself gravitating towards Lumines Remastered. This classic PSP puzzle game has always been my go-to for testing new consoles, thanks to its demand for precise controls and minimal latency. As I played, a question emerged: Is Lumines the best game ever? And why haven’t we seen a new installment in so long?
Later that day, during Sony’s State of Play, my wish was granted with the announcement of Lumines Arise, the newest title from the creators of Tetris Effect. It felt surreal, like I had willed it into existence. I was eager to try it out, especially since I had already booked a demo at Summer Game Fest for what was then an ‘unannounced’ game by Enhance. However, I was anxious. Could it meet the high expectations I had developed?
The answer was a resounding yes. Lumines Arise exceeded my dreams and then some.
Understanding Lumines: The basics
If you’ve never experienced the joy of Lumines, let me give you a brief rundown. This rhythm puzzle series started as a cult classic on the PSP. Players drop two-toned square blocks into a grid, aiming to match colors and create 4×4 squares. The twist? Those squares remain until a line moves across the grid, beat-driven by the soundtrack. The real challenge lies in creating combos before the line returns. Comparisons to games like Puyo Puyo fall short; Lumines is unique.
For Lumines Arise, the core gameplay remains intact. As I began my demo, the familiar rhythm kicked in, and I effortlessly started creating chains. The tight controls and smooth gameplay were exactly what the series needed. Just that alone made it a success.
New features in Lumines Arise
However, Enhance isn’t just rehashing the same game. They’ve introduced a new burst system, similar to what they did with Tetris Effect. As I played and created combos, a number appeared next to the line. Once it hit 40, I could activate burst mode, generating a mega block to continue building combos. The longer I waited, the bigger my potential chain could become. If I timed it well, I could cover the entire grid before the burst period ended.
This addition tests a different skill set. While the traditional game focuses on setting up long combos, burst mode challenges players to maintain focus on a single square. I had to keep the matching color available during this time to avoid boxing myself in. It’s a subtle shift that expands the gameplay without losing the essence of what Lumines is all about.
The immersive experience
What really sets Lumines Arise apart is its captivating visuals. During my demo, I experienced three distinct themes, each accompanied by original music from the Tetris Effect composer. The second theme transformed my blocks into metallic crates, while the third dazzled with neon lizards and explosive visuals. The entire experience was a feast for the senses, and I can’t wait to see how it translates into virtual reality.
After completing my demo, one of the developers expressed surprise at my speed. Typically, the demo takes around 20 minutes, but I finished in just eight. He offered me another round, and without hesitation, I jumped at the chance. If my immediate response was that enthusiastic, I can only imagine how many more sessions I’ll have in the future.
Lumines Arise is set to launch on PS5 and PC, complete with PlayStation VR2 support. It’s a thrilling addition to the series that promises to engage both new players and long-time fans alike. I look forward to the endless possibilities it will offer.