"I'm Playing" Peggle!

 

If you pick up a hard copy of "Plants vs. Zombies" for Xbox 360, you'll notice that the disc includes two full-version games (all by Pop Cap). One of these two is Peggle. The thing that most caught my attention was the fact that it had a Unicorn as its icon. A UNICORN! How EPIC is that?! 

I've only reviewed one video game in my time, so, naturally, I'm no pro at it. With this game, there's so much to think about, I think I'll just ramble about it for a while and then pull some number out of my butt as a rating.

The scenario encompassing the game is that you've arrived at the...what was it the Unicorn said..? University? Yeah...we'll go with that. You've arrived at the University of Peggle to become a Peggle Master. In order to become a TRUE Peggle Master, you have to study under ten different masters. Under each master, there's five different puzzles to beat. As each puzzle goes by, the game gets gradually harder. As each master goes by, the game sure as heck gets harder. If you're like me, you've got an addictive personality. Example: I'm currently addicted to carving linoleum. Don't ask why...I just am. See? I sat down to test this game out for a few minutes and three hours later, I'm trying to keep my head from exploding from frustration at the last puzzle. It's addictive. I'm extremely intense about puzzles and always have been. Honestly, I should have known that I'd play it all the way through. I love the fact that it can be beaten in so little time (well...little when you have no life!), but I kind of want more. It doesn't have any complicated plot or tons of action, but I think the world doesn't need all in-your-face-ness. It's great if you want to unwind and a game to avoid if you're super competitive. I can't imagine playing multiplayer (I was competitive enough against myself...).

To explain it a little, look at this photo.

 

See the Orange pieces? You HAVE to destroy all of them in order to progress to the next level. See the giant number "9" in the top left corner? That's the number of balls you're left with (hah!). You start with ten, aim, and the balls, in true pinball fashion, bounce around and knock stuff out. In the middle of the very top you'll see a flower head. Each level has a master, as I said before. Each master offers a unique ability (earned by knocking out the Green balls/squares) that helps progress the game in some way or another. My favorite master is Lord Cinderbottom the dragon. His ability is the fireball. It burns out a streak of balls wherever you aim it. 

 

 Overall, I think the game is awesome. It's entertaining, frustrating, and nicely designed. The concept is good and the graphics and colors are easy on the eyes and attractive. Overall, I give this game a 4/5. The reason it doesn't get a perfect score? My new addiction...Halo Reach.