[tab:Review]
Last year, both the Xbox and PC owners got their hands on the highly-addictive puzzle game Chime. Now, it has finally come to the PS3 with a few updates and additions that make the game just that much better.
For those of you who don’t know, Chime is a puzzle game that features licensed songs that play to the beat of the pieces laid down by the player. The music slowly adds complexity until it is fully fleshed out. The goal of the game is to cover the entire board with differently shaped blocks that form squares and rectangles that are at least 3×3 . A line continuously runs across the board and erases blocks you have created. The blocks themselves fill up and, if you can add to the ends of them, will expand to cover more of the board.
There are two modes of play in single player: timed mode and free mode. Timed mode can be played in 3, 6, and 9 minute increments, creating a sense of urgency to fill up the board before the timer runs out. Free mode consists of no time limit and a more casual style of play that allows the player to make music the way they want to with the pieces.
Super Deluxe Edition sports a slightly new look that is almost 3D is some aspects. The board is tilted in small ways that give off a protruding look. The colors are vibrant and go along well with the style and music.
The real star of Chime is the soundtrack. With the addition of 5 new songs, the total comes to 10 tracks in all, each with its own unique sound and style. Playing a board with just a few beats and sounds to begin, and ending with a full on electronic/orchestrated song just feels so good.
One of the best additions to the Super Deluxe Edition is the local multiplayer. It is offered in both co-op and versus for up to 4 players. The co-op, obviously, is where you and your friends work together to fill the board as quickly as possible. The versus mode is where the real fun is. In versus, you and up to four of your buddies compete for the greatest percentage of board filled. This can become a hectic match of stealing combos and areas while trying to maintain your own covered areas. It really is a blast.
With new boards, songs, and game play modes, I can’t recommend this title enough. The puzzle fans will get their fix, and the gamers just wanting a something to chill with for a few minutes can find their answer here. The game is just plain fun, especially in versus mode. For ten dollars, you will certainly get your money’s worth with Chime Super Deluxe.
Review copy provided by publisher.
[tab:Screenshots]
[tab:END]