Game Statistics

• Three game modes.
• Three training levels.
• Twelve competition levels.
• 8-Megabit Cartridge.

Game Design
Kirby's Avalanche is a simple puzzle game were falling blobs must be placed in groups of the same colour. There are five different coloured blobs and they fall in pairs. Anytime two or more blobs of the same colour are adjacent to each other they will merge together. Once four blobs of the same colour are placed in the same group they disappear. Any blobs above will then fall and merge with others of the same colour. The goal is to create chain reactions. Chain reactions dump boulders on the opposition's playing field. Boulders do not act like blobs; they can only be eliminated when blobs adjacent to them are eliminated. Once the opponent's playing field is filled to top so that no more blobs can enter, the game is over. The most challenging aspect of this game is creating chain reactions in a small period of time; especially in the two-player mode. The two-player mode is where this game really shines. It's addictive and always great fun. However, this game does have some flaws. Kirby's Avalanche is a complete remake of Puyo Puyo and does not offer any new options or extras from the original version. Even so, Puyo Puyo is a very good puzzle game therefore; Kirby's Avalanche is a very good game as well.

Graphics
The visuals in this game are quite average. However, they are adequate for this type of game. The backgrounds do not interfere with blobs and other foreground elements. The blobs and boulders are easy to see; which is important. This game does not push the SNES hardware in terms of graphics; therefore there is very little slowdown.

Sound
The sound in this game is quite well done for Super Nintendo standards. There are audio samples before each training and competition levels. The sounds of boulders and blobs falling are quite realistic. The music is good as well and the tracks are very similar to other Kirby games.

Control
The control in this game is very simple, which is expected of puzzle games. The control pad moves blobs around the screen. The A and Y buttons flip blobs clockwise and the B button flip blobs counterclockwise. The controls are quick and responsive.

Satisfaction
Puzzle fans will love this game and will notice similarities and differences to Tetris. The addictive two-player mode warrants a purchase. Kirby fans should be told that this game is simply Kirby themed and is not like the Dream Land series. Kirby fans will like this game because there are many recognizable characters from Kirby's Dream Land and Kirby's Adventure.

Replay Value/Game Length
The single player mode is challenging at first but gets easier over time. Players experienced with other Puyo Puyo games should not have a hard time completing the competition mode. While the single player mode is not extremely long, the two-player mode will keep players coming back for more and more.

Overall
Kirby's Avalanche is an addictive puzzle game with an excellent two-player mode. Puzzle fans should definitely try to acquire this game.

Review by Player Guy Forever

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