Lumines Supernova (PSN) Review

Posted by Drew Robbins on 01.22.2009

The game which to many made the PSP a must-have system makes its debut on the PS3, is this the franchise's best outing, or does it fall short in comparison to past entries in the series?



Title: Lumines Supernova
Publisher: Q Entertainment
Developer: Q Entertainment
Genre: Puzzle
Players: 1-2
Rated: E for Everyone

Upon its release in 2005, the PSP was in high spirits after a launch which saw the release of Lumines, an interesting puzzler that synthesized rhythm and basic puzzle elements into one beautiful package. This package was so beautiful that Q Entertainment, the brilliant creators of Lumines and Meteos, has repackaged it several times across a variety of systems. Now it has landed on the PS3, this time dubbed Lumines Supernova, boasting a few new game modes, marginally improved graphics, and the same great gameplay that will have you looking up at the clock in astonishment at how much time has passed since you began playing.

Gameplay - So what exactly is Lumines? Well, as you can expect with a post-Tetris puzzle game, blocks are falling. Each block contains four squares which are either white or orange. Your mission is to line up same-colored squares into a block shape. However, once this is accomplished the blocks don’t just magically disappear, you have to wait for a special timeline (which is synched to the rhythm of the song) to pass over your blocks. While you wait for the timeline you can add onto your completed blocks, multiplying the score for when the timeline comes by and destroys your pieces. Is there any more to the gameplay than this? Not really, over the span of each different game mode, this is basically all that you do. Line up blocks, eliminate blocks, rinse and repeat. But remember, this is a puzzle game, so this isn’t too much of a problem. Tetris was very much the same, and how much time in your lifetime have you wasted away on those tetrominos? Much like Tetris, you could possibly drain hours of time into Lumines without really even noticing it.

Of important note is the two new modes featured in Supernova, Dig Down and Sequencer. While Dig Down challenges your will with 20 different challenging stages, Sequencer allows you to create your own techno beat using a variety of instruments. Dig Down will attempt to break your soul, presenting you with a Lumines grid which is already somewhat filled. Your job is to break it down until it can be discerned as two separate columns. Dig Down separates the men from the boys, so be prepared for hours of soul crushing defeat at the hands of the monstrous Lumines Gods.

Lumines Supernova does feature one significant problem though, that being in the lack of an online multiplayer. This might not be such a big deal if it weren’t for the fact that this was a feature on the Xbox Live version of the game. I could understand if Supernova came first but clearly this isn’t the case, why would you take a step backwards as you move forward with a franchise. It doesn’t make much sense, and stands out as a sad omission from an otherwise great Lumines game. Sure you can still play locally but, your crazy online friends are going to have to meet up on the 360 for intense online Lumines action.



Graphics - Normally a puzzle game tends to lack in visual treats, but this is a front in which Lumines strives. These screenshots throughout the review only display the rather boring design found in early stages of the game’s single player challenge. Once you get past a few stages, everything begins to change into a satisfying array of colors. An early level, for example, took a Japanese theme complete with cel-shaded blocks which, upon matching up, looked outstanding. Never before had matching up tiny shapes been such eye-candy.

Sound - On a stranger end of the spectrum is the music of Lumines. Often referred to as the key feature which pushes Lumines over the edge, the music plays in line with the timeline in order to create a rhythmical beat to reward players for their block-destroying ways. Unfortunately, it could just be my musical tastes, but Lumines Supernova has very strange music. I suppose the correct term would be techno music, which I’m sure excites all some none of you.

Despite its absurd sound, the music meshes quite nicely with the gameplay, as it was most certainly intended to. I do believe, though, that they could have picked out a better selection of techno music, some of it is actually a little bit annoying. Maybe this is the purpose, to use annoying music in order to push you to quickly finish a level? Yeah, I doubt it.

Fun Factor - Honestly, if you don’t enjoy Lumines I might think that something is wrong with you. Okay, that isn’t entirely true, if you aren’t an advocate of the puzzle genre then Lumines won’t change your mind. If you do like the occasional puzzler, however, Lumines will provide for plenty of fun, provided this is your first experience with the franchise. Most of the game is repackaged from other versions, and you might begin to feel a great sense of “been there, done that” from Supernova.

Lasting Appeal - When you look back on the most successful puzzle games, and we’ll go with Tetris because it is the most obvious, they were all supremely addictive. But these gems had another thing going for them, convenience. You could play Tetris, provided you have a portable device (because lets be honest, what device doesn’t have Tetris on it these days?), at any time during the day. Heck, you can even play that game during math classes. What Lumines Supernova lacks is that key “play anywhere” factor. I enjoy puzzle games, Meteos and Professor Layton are two games which have greatly engrossed me, but would I play them at home? Maybe, but not for an extended amount of time. While Supernova may last you a good 10 hours, it might not be the game you play for years, or even weeks, to come.
Achievement whores need apply, though, as Lumines large trophy list is sure to attract many to play the game for a bit more than the average player. That being said, unless you are enamored with trophies, the game probably won’t satisfy your gaming hunger for very long.



The 411 - Lumines Supernova will not shock you, it will not shake you to the core, but it will provide you with a decent amount (as long as God of War) of fun puzzling action. At a price of $15, it is hard to say that Supernova isn’t worth a look, unless you own any other versions of the game. Whether it be the Xbox Live version, or the PSP version, you will be better off saving your money, you practically already own this game, but with more features or the convenience of portability.

Graphics	8.5	Very nice and colorful, nothing extravagant but it remains pleasing to the eye.
Gameplay	8.0	The same as it ever was, with the gameplay maintaining that addictive feeling. Hampered somewhat by lack of portability and online play.
Sound	7.5	Techno music, which is only forgivable thanks to the rhythmic feeling you get as you progress through a stage.
Lasting Appeal	7.5	Not nearly as addictive without the ability to take it on the road, but still somewhat enduring.
Fun Factor	8.5	Very enjoyable, never a dull moment as you race the timeline to create blocks.
Overall	8.0   [ Very Good ]