Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Kidō Gekidan Haro Ichiza: Haro no Puyo Puyo faithfully recreates the classic Puyo Puyo formula, marrying it with the colorful world of SD Gundam. The core mechanic remains unchanged: players stack falling Haro capsules in groups of four or more to clear them from the playfield, chaining combos to send “garbage” capsules to their opponent’s screen. This familiar setup delivers the precise, fast-paced puzzle action fans crave, while the Gundam twist offers a fresh coat of paint on a beloved system.

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The single-player modes include both a traditional arcade ladder—where you face increasingly challenging AI pilots—as well as a story-driven campaign that unlocks special illustrations and character profiles. Battles ramp up in difficulty smoothly, giving newcomers time to master basic chaining techniques before unleashing multi-step combo assaults. A brief tutorial introduces Haro-specific quirks, like capsule sizes and drop speeds, ensuring that even Puyo veterans feel right at home.

For those seeking direct competition, the two-player VS mode shines. Local head-to-head matches are quick to set up and feature split-screen or alternating play options. The real-time back-and-forth makes every chain feel satisfying, and the visual feedback when you topple your opponent’s field is as clear as it is rewarding. With adjustable speed settings and handicap options, Haro no Puyo Puyo accommodates both casual fans and seasoned duelists.

Graphics

The most immediately striking aspect of Haro no Puyo Puyo is its charming SD Gundam aesthetic. Mobile Suit pilots and mechs have been transformed into squat, super-deformed caricatures that brim with personality. Character sprites pop against the colorful backgrounds, each sporting oversized heads and expressive animations when they land a big combo or take a point of damage.

Haro capsules themselves are rendered with glossy shading and a playful bounce. Instead of traditional colored blobs, you’re lining up miniature Haro units in green, red, blue, and yellow, each sporting the signature Gundam faceplate. Animations for clearing multiple combos are given extra flair with mech-themed effects—missiles launching from your Haro battalion or shields absorbing incoming garbage pieces.

Backgrounds draw from beloved Gundam locales, from space colonies to battle-scarred bases, all scaled down to match the SD style. While the game doesn’t push the hardware beyond sprite-based charm, its vibrant palette and smooth frame rate ensure that every drop and clear feels immediately legible and engaging. The presentation strikes an ideal balance between nostalgia and novelty.

Story

Although Puyo Puyo titles are seldom lauded for deep narratives, Haro no Puyo Puyo surprises with a light-hearted SD Gundam storyline. The campaign unfolds as a theater troupe of Haro mascots staging comedic reenactments of classic Gundam battles—hence the “Kidō Gekidan” (Mobile Theater) title. Each level’s introduction features brief, skippable dialogue skits that set up the next Puyo duel.

Character interactions play up iconic rivalries—Amuro Ray vs. Char Aznable, for instance—albeit in miniature form with tongue-in-cheek banter. As you progress, you unlock special cut-scenes showcasing the troupe’s theatrics: Haro units performing over-the-top stage effects, complete with spotlights and curtain calls. It’s a whimsical tribute that will especially delight Gundam aficionados.

Though the story doesn’t affect puzzle mechanics, it provides context for each match and an incentive to complete various branches of the campaign. Collectible artwork and profile entries deepen the fan service, rewarding completionists with background lore on each SD character. The narrative is light enough not to bog down the puzzles, yet charming enough to feel like a genuine crossover event.

Overall Experience

Kidō Gekidan Haro Ichiza: Haro no Puyo Puyo stands out as both a faithful Puyo Puyo sequel and a love letter to Gundam fans. Its core gameplay is as addictive as ever—simple to learn, challenging to master—while the SD Gundam overlay introduces a playful aesthetic twist. Whether you’re lining up your first chain or pulling off an eight-link combo, the experience remains consistently rewarding.

The variety of modes—from story-driven battles and classic arcade runs to local two-player showdowns—ensures that there’s something for every type of puzzle enthusiast. Difficulty settings and optional handicaps make the game accessible to newcomers and veterans alike, while collectible rewards promote replayability. The brief tutorial and clear on-screen cues help bridge the learning curve for puzzle novices.

With its bright visuals, engaging character roster, and polished mechanics, Haro no Puyo Puyo delivers a satisfying package for both puzzle gamers and Gundam devotees. It may not reinvent the wheel, but by combining two beloved properties—Haro and Puyo Puyo—it offers a uniquely entertaining experience that’s likely to brighten many gaming sessions. For anyone seeking a lighthearted, competitive puzzle romp, this title is well worth exploring.

Retro Replay Score

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