Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Sega Ages 2500: Vol.12 – Puyo Puyo Tsū: Perfect Set faithfully recreates the fast‐paced, chain‐reaction puzzle action of Compile’s classic Puyo Puyo 2. Players drop pairs of colored “Puyos” into their playfield, aiming to connect four or more to clear them and build cascading combos. Pulling off long chains sends unmovable garbage Puyos to your opponent’s grid, turning the battle into an addictive tug of war where every move counts.

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Beyond the traditional versus mode, this SEGA AGES release introduces dedicated Arcade, Story, and Mission modes. The new Story Mode weaves a playful tournament narrative around 30 distinct characters—each boasting unique drop speeds, chain tendencies, and AI behaviors—while Mission Mode challenges players with tailored puzzles and objectives, from clearing specific shapes to executing set chain counts. These additions inject fresh goals for solo puzzlers and deepen the learning curve.

The depth of Puyo Puyo Tsū comes through in its tight controls and balanced difficulty curve. The AI opponents scale from beginner‐friendly to brutally efficient, providing a satisfying sense of progression. Local two‐player matches remain as intense as ever, with split‐second decisions ruling the outcome. For newcomers and veterans alike, the Perfect Set offers both an accessible entry point and a high skill ceiling for competitive play.

Graphics

Staying true to its 1994 arcade heritage, Puyo Puyo Tsū retains vibrant 2D sprites and hand‐drawn backgrounds without resorting to 3D reinterpretation. Each Puyo is rendered in bold, easily distinguishable colors, ensuring clarity even amid the most chaotic chain reactions. Character portraits and animations are bright and expressive, capturing the series’ cartoony charm.

While the core visuals remain untouched, SEGA AGES enhances the presentation with crisp PAL/NTSC‐upscaled output suited to modern television resolutions. Menu interfaces are clean and responsive, with intuitive icons and timing meters that aid you in planning your next move. Load times between rounds are minimal, keeping the gameplay flow brisk and uninterrupted.

Complementing the classic look are newly mastered background tracks and refreshed voiceovers for your favorite characters. The remastered soundtrack breathes new life into the familiar tunes, while snappy character quips and celebratory shoutouts during big combos add personality. These audio polish points amplify the visual nostalgia without detracting from the original design ethos.

Story

Although puzzle games rarely hinge on narrative depth, the Perfect Set’s Story Mode injects a playful storyline that unfolds across character matchups. You assume the role of Arle Nadja (or any of the 30 selectable fighters), journeying through an exaggerated Puyo tournament filled with whimsical bosses and lighthearted banter. Each victory triggers humorous cutscenes that showcase the series’ signature silliness.

The addition of fully voiced dialogue elevates the story segments, transforming text walls into lively exchanges. Character personalities shine through—caravanning far beyond “just another puzzle game”—as quirky rivals taunt you, and allies cheer you on. This layer of charm makes every battle feel like part of a larger, cohesive world.

Meanwhile, Mission Mode sprinkles in small narrative snippets to contextualize each puzzle challenge. Whether you’re racing against time or aiming for a perfect chain, on‐screen captions and character reactions lend a sense of purpose. Although the storyline isn’t the main draw, these narrative touches enrich the play experience and encourage multiple playthroughs.

Overall Experience

Sega Ages 2500: Vol.12 – Puyo Puyo Tsū: Perfect Set stands as a quintessential puzzle package that honors the legacy of Compile’s original while bolstering it with modern bells and whistles. With its faithful 2D presentation, tight mechanics, and abundance of single‐player content, it appeals to both nostalgic fans and puzzle newcomers seeking a deep yet accessible challenge.

The variety of modes—Arcade, Story, Mission, and Versus—ensures that players never tire of Puyo matches. Casual gamers can dip into short missions or console an offline friend, while hardcore strategists can chase perfect 99‐chain combos or master each character’s idiosyncratic playstyle. The local multiplayer remains a standout, providing endless head‐to‐head excitement.

Overall, Puyo Puyo Tsū: Perfect Set delivers a cohesive and engaging package. Its blend of timeless gameplay, visual fidelity, and added narrative/mode content makes it a no‐brainer for puzzle aficionados and anyone looking for a polished, competitive experience on their PS2. For value, depth, and pure puzzle fun, this Perfect Set truly lives up to its name.

Retro Replay Score

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