Lumines: Puzzle Fusion

Lumines: Puzzle Fusion is a single-player and multiplayer falling-block puzzle game. The game centers on a grid where square blocks made of two colors drop from above. The player rotates and positions these blocks to create solid squares of a single color. A timeline bar continuously sweeps across the screen from left to right, clearing any completed color groups it passes over. The goal is to survive as long as possible while earning high scores through large combos, which are achieved by building up clusters before the timeline clears them away.

Game progression is tied to a system of “skins.” Each skin completely changes the appearance, background music, and sound effects, creating distinct audiovisual experiences. As players clear stages, new skins are unlocked, adding to the variety. Difficulty gradually increases as drop speeds rise, the timeline accelerates, and the visual presentation shifts in tone.

Several play modes are included beyond the standard challenge mode. In “Puzzle” mode, players must stack blocks to create specific shapes shown on screen. “Time Attack” challenges players to score as much as possible within a set time limit. A CPU battle mode allows the player to compete against an AI opponent on a split grid, sending cleared blocks to push back the rival’s playfield.

Lumines Plus, the PlayStation 2 port released in 2007, is based directly on the PSP version with nearly identical mechanics. It adds new skins to the mix but removes handheld features such as wireless multiplayer, focusing instead on single-player and local versus play.

Multiplayer options include local wireless matches on the PSP or competitive play in Lumines Plus on the PlayStation 2.