Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Children – Puzzle de Call takes the classic block-pushing puzzle formula and infuses it with the demonic flair of the Devil Children universe. Players guide Rand and Gale through top-down grid stages, carefully maneuvering blocks and collecting demon eggs strategically placed throughout each level. The core objective remains simple—gather all eggs—but the twist lies in switching between human and demonic forms, each unlocking different environmental interactions and powers.

In their human guise, the protagonists move blocks and navigate narrow corridors with nimble precision, but only in demon form can they shatter certain obstacles or manipulate special block types. This dual-form mechanic adds a refreshing layer of strategy: you must plan your route not only to avoid getting stuck but also to optimize your transformations. Boss stages elevate the challenge further, pitting you against a relentless giant demon whose attacks force split-second decisions—should you risk dashing out to grab an egg or hunker down and evade powerful swipe patterns?

Progression feels rewarding as you unlock new demon eggs that grant abilities like breaking reinforced blocks or momentarily stunning enemies. Puzzle complexity ramps up at a steady pace, introducing one new block type or environmental hazard at a time. This deliberate pacing ensures veterans of block puzzles stay engaged without overwhelming newcomers, while repeat playthroughs reveal hidden shortcuts and optimal egg-collection sequences.

Controls are intuitive, with directional pad or analog stick movement, a single button for form-switching, and context-sensitive actions for pushing or smashing blocks. Load times between stages are minimal, keeping the flow brisk. If there’s a minor drawback, it’s that later levels can feel a tad repetitive once you’ve mastered the core mechanics, but random bonus challenges and timed trials help mitigate any monotony.

Graphics

Puzzle de Call sports a vibrant, sprite-based aesthetic that captures the quirky charm of the Devil Children franchise. Each level’s floor tiling and block designs are distinct enough to easily differentiate hazards, breakable walls, and collectible eggs at a glance. The color palette leans into bold reds, purples, and blues to evoke an otherworldly atmosphere without compromising clarity during fast-paced puzzle segments.

The character sprites for Rand and Gale are deceptively simple but animated with surprising expressiveness. Switching to demon form triggers a quick transformation sequence, complete with a brief glow effect and a subtle screen shake that emphasizes the power surge. Boss demons loom large at the top of the screen, their detailed pixel art and periodic attack animations adding a sense of urgency to each puzzle encounter.

While the overall visual presentation may not push hardware to its limits, it nails the retro puzzle-game vibe and pays homage to earlier Shin Megami Tensei spin-offs. Backgrounds are clean and free of visual clutter, ensuring that the focus remains on puzzle elements and on-screen threats. Menus and HUD elements are straightforward, displaying remaining eggs, current form, and boss health without unnecessary decoration.

Optional visual touches, like subtle particle effects when collecting eggs or crumbling blocks, give each action satisfying feedback. Fans of pixel art will appreciate the attention to detail in character and environment design, even if the graphical style sticks closely to genre conventions rather than breaking new ground.

Story

At its heart, Puzzle de Call is driven by a simple yet appealing narrative: Rand and Gale find themselves venturing through a strange-looking portal in pursuit of their missing friends. This setup provides a clear motivation for each puzzle stage and ties the gameplay to the larger Devil Children mythos. Although the story doesn’t unravel through lengthy cutscenes, bits of dialogue and brief event cards between worlds keep the mystery alive.

The half-human, half-demon protagonists carry genuine personality despite limited text. Scenes of Rand worrying about his friends’ safety and Gale’s cheeky banter inject charm into the proceedings. Boss demons occasionally taunt the duo with one-liners that hint at deeper lore, rewarding players who pay attention to every snippet of dialogue.

While Puzzle de Call doesn’t delve into the darker, philosophical themes of mainline Shin Megami Tensei titles, its lighter tone and approachable mystery fit perfectly with its puzzle-centric design. The narrative acts as a scaffolding to connect varied environments—forests, caves, demon-infested ruins—each with its own aesthetic and set of challenges.

For players invested in the broader Devil Children saga, this spin-off provides just enough story to feel cohesive without overshadowing the gameplay. Casual players will appreciate the straightforward “rescue your friends” premise, which keeps motivation high and stage-to-stage transitions meaningful.

Overall Experience

Puzzle de Call strikes a satisfying balance between brain-teasing challenges and the whimsical demon-catching world of Devil Children. It appeals equally to puzzle enthusiasts looking for a fresh twist on block-pushing mechanics and fans of the franchise eager to see beloved characters in a new light. The steady difficulty curve, combined with unlockable powers and boss battles, ensures that players remain engaged throughout its estimated 10–12 hour runtime.

Replayability is boosted by optional time-attack modes and hidden bonus stages unlocked after collecting all eggs in a world. These extras will entice completionists and speedrunners alike, while casual players can enjoy the main campaign without feeling pressured to perfect every level. The game’s low system demands and pick-up-and-play nature also make it ideal for short gaming sessions on the go.

On the flip side, those seeking a deep, narrative-driven experience may find the story elements minimalistic. However, Puzzle de Call never promises an epic saga—it’s designed to be a tight, enjoyable puzzle romp with just enough story to keep you hooked. Its straightforward presentation, robust level design, and charismatic protagonists combine to create a package that’s greater than the sum of its parts.

In conclusion, Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Children – Puzzle de Call delivers a refreshingly inventive puzzle adventure. Its blend of transformation-based mechanics, demon-themed challenges, and bite-sized storytelling makes it a standout spin-off worthy of a spot in any puzzle or SMT fan’s collection. Whether you’re strategizing your next block push or racing a boss demon against the clock, Puzzle de Call offers an engaging experience from start to finish.

Retro Replay Score

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