Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Pokémon Puzzle Challenge refines the classic falling-block formula by injecting it with the vibrant energy of the Pokémon universe. Rather than simply aligning shapes, you match colored blocks adorned with Pokémon icons to clear your playfield. Each successful chain reaction empowers your avatar to send additional blocks to your opponent’s screen in versus modes, adding an extra layer of strategy familiar to fans of competitive puzzle games.

The variety of modes keeps the action fresh. In the Gym Leader Castle mode, you work your way through increasingly tough bosses—each represented by a Gym Leader—unlocking new challenges as you go. The Puzzle Practice section offers preset scenarios that test your planning skills, forcing you to think several moves ahead. For those who just want a pure stamina test, Marathon mode lets you play “til you drop,” rewarding endurance and consistency.

Perhaps the most exciting feature is multiplayer link support. By connecting two Game Boys, you can challenge friends head-to-head in real time. Nothing matches the thrill of seeing your opponent’s screen fill up as you pull off a massive combo. The speed of block drops and the risk-reward tension of chaining large clears makes for some nail-biting showdowns.

Graphics

Graphically, Pokémon Puzzle Challenge takes advantage of the Game Boy Color’s palette to deliver bright, defined sprites. Each block features a distinct Pokémon silhouette—Charmander, Squirtle, Pikachu—making it easy to distinguish colors at a glance. The animations when blocks clear are snappy and satisfying, punctuated by little Pokémon cheer animations that never get old.

The backgrounds are simple but charming, often featuring silhouettes of Gym Leaders or subtle nods to iconic Pokémon locales. During versus matches, the border art changes to reflect your current opponent’s theme, creating a dynamic atmosphere that immerses you in the Pokémon world, even though you’re focusing on block matching.

Character portraits and victory animations are a delightful bonus. When you topple a Gym Leader, you’re treated to a small victory pose and congratulatory text, giving a sense of progression beyond just the puzzle mechanics. Overall, the visuals are crisp, colorful, and perfectly suited to the fast-paced gameplay.

Story

While Pokémon Puzzle Challenge isn’t narrative-driven in the traditional sense, it cleverly weaves in a loose storyline through Gym Leader challenges. You start at the bottom of the Castle, facing easier opponents, and gradually work your way up to the Elite Four equivalent. Each victory is framed as a battle won, complete with banter and light dialogue snippets.

The “story” here is really about progression—the satisfaction of rising through ranks and earning bragging rights as you defeat iconic trainers from the Pokémon franchise. Minor callbacks to events and characters from the main series provide context and make each Gym Leader feel like more than just a puzzle opponent.

Even the Marathon and Puzzle Practice modes contribute to a sense of mastery. Clearing a fiendishly difficult puzzle feels like overcoming an obstacle in a narrative, providing small story-like triumphs that keep you invested. It may not be a sprawling RPG plot, but for a puzzle game, the light storytelling is plenty to keep you hooked.

Overall Experience

Pokémon Puzzle Challenge shines as both a casual time-killer and a deep, competitive puzzle experience. Newcomers can easily jump into Puzzle Practice or Marathon mode, learning the mechanics at their own pace. More seasoned players will find the Gym Leader Castle and multiplayer link battles irresistible, as the game’s depth reveals itself through advanced chain-building tactics.

The game’s pacing is excellent—quick matches make it ideal for short bursts on the go, while longer sessions only get more addictive as you chase higher combos and faster clear times. The sense of flow when you pull off a multi-stage chain is immensely rewarding, and the Pokémon theme adds charm that keeps each clear satisfying in a way generic block games can’t quite match.

Multiplayer functionality remains one of the game’s strongest draws. Whether you’re squaring off against a friend or battling the computer, the tension of seeing your screen fill faster than your opponent’s block gauge is endlessly engrossing. In short, Pokémon Puzzle Challenge combines addictive puzzle mechanics, fan-favorite Pokémon visuals, and multiple modes into a package that’s hard to put down—and an excellent pick for any Game Boy Color owner looking for a portable puzzle fix.

Retro Replay Score

7.7/10