Planet Puzzle League plays exactly like its predecessors, but for those new to the series it’s a really simple concept to grasp. Unlike most puzzle games where pieces drop from the top of the screen (i.e. Tetris, Columns, Puyo Pop), this game flips the idea on its head and has the puzzle pieces slowly raise from the bottom of the screen. If a block manages to reach the top of the screen the game will end. So, to prevent that from happening players must match up at least three blocks of the same color to clear them from the screen. Matching at least three blocks vertically or horizontally will make them vanish, causing any blocks above them to fall into the empty spot. Many times the blocks that fall into the empty space you created will match up with the adjacent blocks and if this happens you create a chain. Expert players will plan out moves well in advance to create huge chains to net them tons of points. If you manage to clear four or more blocks at once you will earn a combo, which earns more points as well.

In previous versions of the franchise, the blocks had to be swapped using a d-pad, which moved a cursor on the screen. This method worked pretty well, but thanks to the DS’s touch screen the game is even easier to play and understand. Players hold the DS system like a book, similar to Brain Age or Hotel Dusk. To move a block all you have to do is touch it and drag it to where you want it. In addition, the game offers up helpful hints in the easier modes so players can effectively chain together blocks to boost their scores. Veteran players may choose to play the game the old fashioned way, using the D-Pad to move the cursor with the DS in the normal position, but I prefer the touch screen controls.

Planet Puzzle League features a bevy of game types and options. For single players there are a total of six separate game types. Endless mode allows you to keep playing until the game ends, but the longer you stay in the game the faster the lift of blocks will raise. Clear mode allows players to clear preset stages one at a time. In this mode the player must remove a set number of blocks to get below a cutoff line, with each stage moving quicker than the last. Garbage Challenge has the computer throwing garbage blocks on the screen and players try to clear as much of it as possible. Time Attack allows players to play three different games in 2 minutes segments. Puzzle mode gives players a preset number of moves to clear the blocks. Vs. Com is similar to playing against a friend, but this time it’s against the computer and there are three different types of play in this mode. In addition to these single player modes, there’s a unique Daily Mode that will allow players to partake in three different games only once per day and keep track of how they perform via a graph, somewhat like Wii Sports and Brain Age do.

Single player mode has more than enough content to keep anyone busy for a long time, but the multiplayer options are where the game truly shines. Up to four players can battle it out against each other and only one person has to actually own the cartridge to do so. There are three different modes of play and they can be played with items on or off. Items add a bit of fun to the game by shaking up the playfield, sort of like how Tetris DS or Mario Kart items can quickly change the outcome of a game. In addition, Planet Puzzle League supports the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection service, meaning you can battle it out with strangers or friends (via friend codes) online. The game supports voice chat via the built-in microphone in the DS, or you can use the DS headset currently in stores. Keep in mind that to chat with someone, you must have his or her friend code. Nintendo doesn’t want you talking to strangers after all. Wi-Fi mode is just like the local wireless except only two players can battle it out instead of four.

If you enjoy puzzle games, Planet Puzzle League is a must-have. The game is easy to learn, fun to play, features catchy music and has decent graphics. The multitude of options available for single and multiplayer modes is outstanding and the game is just plain fun to play. The touch screen makes the game easier to play and approachable by gamers of all ages. Don’t miss out on yet another fantastic puzzle game for the Nintendo DS that’s sure to keep you addicted to the small screens for hours on end.