PSP

Mercury Meltdown

Mercury Meltdown takes the wonderful concept of the original, irons out most of the issues, and presents a complete package that every PSP puzzle fan should own.

We’ve already seen quite a few puzzle games on the PSP which is understandable given that they are just the kind of games that are ideal for playing on journeys short or long. We haven’t seen that many puzzle games that have truly impressed though. In fact only Exit springs to mind as a puzzle game that was a must have title. Thankfully in Mercury Meltdown we now have another title that simply can’t be ignored. As with all of the great puzzle games it’s easy to learn but difficult to master and there’s more than enough content here to last you for months. Who would have thought moving a blob of virtual mercury could have been such fun?

Mercury Meltdown succeeds by addressing a lot of the things that went wrong with the original game and by not losing sight of what made the original game fun--in spite of its flaws. Meltdown is every bit as addictive as its predecessor, but you won't find yourself quite as inclined to set the UMD on fire after extended play sessions. And between the huge number of stages, multiplayer modes, and party games, you aren't likely to run out of stuff to do anytime soon. There simply aren't many puzzle games on the PSP that are better than Mercury Meltdown.

All in all this is yet another great game from Ignition. It has some great new additions and ideas, a currently untested multiplayer mode, and a very challenging and addictive single player game. It’s definitely a game for PSP that is worthy of your hard earned cash.

Fans of Marble Blast Ultra or Super Monkey Ball will most likely enjoy Mercury Meltdown, especially if they're looking for an increased challenge. A few levels can be extremely frustrating, but it's possible to skip over these if you wish. The multiplayer options and party games are also a big plus in terms of boosting replay value. If you're a puzzle fan with a PSP, you'll most likely have some fun with this title.

Meltdown deserves a knock for being a shamelessly derivative cash cow, but the novelty hasn't faded. If you thought that the original took itself too seriously - or, better still, if you have never played it - Mercury Meltdown is a more than viable alternative.

Having a game like Mercury Madness available for the PSP is pretty important when you get right down to it. Few genres can offer a pick up and play experience as well as the puzzle genre can. In that department the PSP is lacking compared to the DS. Mercury is one of those franchises that should be considered a flagship of puzzle games on the system and is without a doubt, Madness is a much better experience than the original. If you're looking for a fun and lengthy puzzle game to keep you busy you'll definitely want to give this one a look.

Although Mercury Meltdown is by no means perfect, it is a definite improvement over its predecessor. Despite a slight downturn in the graphics, improvements in the control scheme, camera work, level design, and gameplay –- along with challenges suited to a much wider range of players –- make this offering a winner. There is a lot more play content in this release than there was the last time around, and the clever bonus pickups alone are worth the price. You will find yourself quickly drawn in to the addictive action and not easily able to pull yourself away to do anything else.

Titre honnête, Mercury Meltdown est clairement un titre à part qui se savoure à petites lampées. Donnant un réel plaisir de jeu malgré des lacunes indubitables, il comporte suffisamment de petites subtilités pour charmer sur le court terme. Loin d'être le titre sur lequel on passe des heures et des heures sans décrocher, ce dernier est un parfait interlude dont on peut se repaître n'importe où et n'importe quand. Et c'est déjà pas mal.