Planet Puzzle League

Snackbar-Games.com (5 out of 5) (100%)

It would be ludicrous to actually penalize a puzzle game for any of that, however, because it's all just window dressing. PPL is still as fast-paced (if not faster) and intense as previous versions, and still every bit as addictive. Having a portable version that supports both local and Wi-Fi multiplayer is icing on an already-delicious cake. Puzzle fans will not be disappointed, and the simple gameplay (with tutorial) will quickly ensare newcomers.

GameSpy ( ) (100%)

Getting back into Tetris Atta…er, Puzzle League again really reminds you why it's so highly regarded by puzzle game fans. The gameplay is a snap to pick up, but the player is rewarded for delving deeper into the combo system. Sure, there are those who will say that the original Tetris is the best puzzle game of all time, but if there was ever a game that could top it, it's this one. Unless we're talking about multiplayer. In that case, Planet Puzzle League blows everything else out of the water.

Modojo ( ) (100%)

Don't miss out on Planet Puzzle League for the DS. It's the best home release of Panel de Pon to date, with its online options and various modes. Its presentation may not suit everyone but it's really going to be hard arguing against buying a game because it's just not fashionable. Unless you like being laughed out of an EB Games location (like you were when you bought that Mary Kate and Ashley game -- admit it), don't hesitate to jump into the League.

NintendoWorldReport (9.5 out of 10) (95%)

Planet Puzzle League is easily the best iteration of the venerable series. Like all great puzzle games, it is very easy to learn, but offers something for players of all skill levels. Top tier players will enjoy facing off against each other online and sharing videos of their best games, while beginners will find an excellent help system to get them started. The new touch-controls alone make Planet Puzzle League far superior to its predecessors. A wealth of single and multiplayer options simply push it over the top. The icing on the cake is a slick presentation with multiple skins and block designs that let players customize the game. This is without a doubt the definitive version of the series and a must-own for any fan of puzzle games.

Nintendojo (9.5 out of 10) (95%)

With a variety of modes, great stylus control and online play, Intelligent Systems has come up with a puzzle game that's hard to beat. The lack of any sort of branding on this title shows that Nintendo wants as many people as possible to be able to get into Puzzle League. Indeed, this is the sort of game that's easy enough to pick up, but hard to let go. As the definitive version of what many call the greatest puzzle game ever made, Planet Puzzle League is a must own for anyone with a DS.

Portable Review (37 out of 40) (92%)

To recap, Planet Puzzle League is the best puzzle game of all time. It won me over within minutes when I first experienced the formula, so even if you have no interest in puzzle games I recommend it. Despite lacking the graphical and story touches of the previous versions, the sheer replay value makes this the definitive version of Panel de Pon. I’ve wanted to play this online for years, and it’s finally happened. This game is a true classic, one of the best masterpieces of the beloved 16-bit era. Buy it, that’s all I can say.

Kombo.com (9.2 out of 10) (92%)

Planet Puzzle League is simply the best puzzle game on Nintendo DS, and that's more than enough reason to grab a copy and join the party.

Gaming Age (A-) (91%)

If you enjoy puzzle games, Planet Puzzle League is a must-have. The game is easy to learn, fun to play, features catchy music and has decent graphics. The multitude of options available for single and multiplayer modes is outstanding and the game is just plain fun to play. The touch screen makes the game easier to play and approachable by gamers of all ages. Don�t miss out on yet another fantastic puzzle game for the Nintendo DS that�s sure to keep you addicted to the small screens for hours on end.

Thunderbolt Games (9 out of 10) (90%)

That’s really the point of Planet Puzzle League: to provide an awesome gameplay experience to anyone willing to give it a chance. Fans of the original Panel de Pon may be put off by the adult-oriented presentation and lack of a story, but the sheer amount of options make up for it. You’ll be able to tackle an endless wall of blocks, complete countless puzzles and challenges, master combo techniques to maximize your scores, and endure some of the most brutal online competition ever seen. So the game isn’t as visually appealing as Meteos. So it’s not as popular as Tetris. Big deal. Planet Puzzle League is one of the most addictive games on the DS. Puzzle game fans, you know you want to get this. Everyone else, give it a shot. You just might like it.

VicioJuegos.com / uVeJuegos.com (90 out of 100) (90%)

Concluyendo ya el análisis, queremos expresar un juicio quizás demasiado personal, pero basado en la experiencia con la serie y con el género. Pese a que cada jugador tendrá su preferencia acerca de una serie en particular, este Puzzle League DS se convierte de forma clara en el mejor Panel de Pon de la historia, y en un candidato serio al trono del género en DS, una afirmación muy ambiciosa, ya que la competencia en el género es brutal. Posee lo que le faltaba a Meteos, el online, es tan profundo y rejugable como él, y está mejor adaptado que Tetris DS, por lo que te invitamos muy seriamente a que lo pruebes.

Hooked Gamers (9 out of 10) (90%)

Overall, PPL has much improved controls, a plethora of game modes, and an online mode. While the music doesn't match up Tetris Attack, and the online isn't without its flaws, PPL is, without a doubt, the best in the Puzzle League franchise. If we were nearing the end of the year, I would go so far as to declare it the handheld Game of the Year! This is definitely a must-buy for all DS owners and puzzle fans! If you're not a puzzle fan, this game will make you one!

1UP (9 out of 10) (90%)

Planet Puzzle League features a variety of modes ranging from the Endless marathon to Garbage Attack (in which players attempt to transform indestructible blocks into normal colored pieces), an embarrassment of riches in terms of head-to-head play and ultimately a high level of general excellence all around. While the fundamental game design is largely similar to the past 15 years of Puzzle League titles, the wealth of DS-specific features introduced here keeps it feeling fresh. It is, in short, a classic puzzle game done right. If this is what we can expect to see as the result of the "new" Nintendo, we say roll on, blue ocean.

Bordersdown (9 out of 10) (90%)

In some respects, sometimes the game has been tinkered with a bit too much: the inclusion of a "Birthday Vs." option in the Wi-Fi mode (which compares your on-line results against other players' who share your own birthday) and item blocks (previously seen in a very similar format in Nintendo's re-ïmagining of Tetris in a DS costume) are curious, albeit gimmicky diversions. But Panel de Pon DS is a great subtle revelation: a game that, transformed by the new technology of the DS, manages to rise to the high level heralded by the concept behind the game with splendid flair.

IGN (9 out of 10) (90%)

The last time I played the fun and addictive Puzzle League design was in the extremely watered down Dr. Mario/Puzzle League cartridge released on the Game Boy Advance a couple years back. Intelligent Systems really went to town in this Nintendo DS version -- it's an excellent retooling of a very addictive puzzle game. You'll be hardpressed to find a larger list of features in any handheld puzzle game. The fact that you can play this online is only one of the many fantastic reasons to grab a copy of this game.

FileFactory Games / Gameworld Network (90 out of 100) (90%)

While Tetris DS may have Planet Puzzle League beat in terms of presentation and in the number of players that can play it, the core gameplay in this game is, in this reviewer's opinion, the pinnacle of puzzle gaming.

N-Europe (9 out of 10) (90%)

A must-have title, unless the genre doesn’t click with you. Don’t blame us if you get too addicted.

Cubed3 (9 out of 10) (90%)

The ultimate puzzle game for the Nintendo DS, taking an old formula and tinkering with it until sheer perfection is achieved. Puzzle League manages to lift itself above the already crowded genre on DS and claim the crown.

GameZone (8.8 out of 10) (88%)

Instant mainstream and hardcore gamer appeal. Planet Puzzle League is a game that any puzzle fan will thoroughly enjoy.

411mania.com (8.5 out of 10) (85%)

Despite the lack of a true Story/1P mode, the other new modes and getting playing against other people are enough to bring you back for more. It’s still one of the very best freaking puzzle games ever made, and at a $30 to $35 price tag, you can’t go wrong with buying it.

Lawrence (8.5 out of 10) (85%)

Planet Puzzle League doesn’t reinvent the wheel by any means. It pretty much just adds stylus and online support to a tried-and-true format, but it’s still as fun as ever.

Deeko (8.5 out of 10) (85%)

For a puzzle fiend, this is a no-brainer. With a well balanced difficulty throughout, and real honest to goodness online battles, this is one league you can afford to be a part of. Sadly, cheerleaders are not included.

GameAlmighty.com (8.5 out of 10) (85%)

To sum up, Planet Puzzle League is one of the best games of its type on the DS. Though I personally prefer the direction that Puzzle Quest offers, Planet Puzzle League holds its own by offering so many ways to play and all presented in a style that would make Q Entertainment proud. Top-notch game, even if it doesn’t reinvent the genre.

Game Informer Magazine (8.5 out of 10) (85%)

Planet Puzzle League is a reworking of Tetris Attack. Sure, it’s not terribly original, but I’m not complaining about another chance to play one of the all-time greats – especially when this new DS version has been created with such care.

Saving Progress (B+) (83%)

This is the best version of the best multiplayer, and one of the best single player, puzzle games released to this date. Veterans of the genre, new to Panel de Pon or not, will rank Planet Puzzle League among the best puzzle games on DS, alongside Meteos and Tetris DS. It’s pure gameplay - you’ll be playing it until you try to line up windows on a building and see it on the inside of your eyelids when you’re trying to go to sleep at night.

4Players.de (82 out of 100) (82%)

Bevor ich Puzzle League DS gespielt hatte, war ich skeptisch: Schon wieder ein simpler Klötzchenknobler und dann auch noch mit derart puritanischer Präsentation? Tatsächlich - das Auge wird für Genre-Verhältnisse nicht gerade verwöhnt, obwohl es immerhin unterschiedliche Grafikthemen gibt. Doch das schnelle Spielprinzip um das Aufbauen immer größerer Kombos ist wirklich motivierend. Außerdem ist Puzzle League nicht einfach eine uninspirierte Neuauflage von Pokémon Puzzle League auf dem N64. Stattdessen haben die Entwickler offenbar ein umfangreiches Brainstorming zu neuen Spielmodi veranstaltet und die besten Ideen verwirklicht. Auf Einzelkämpfer und gesellige Spieler wartet eine ganzer Wust an Herausforderungen. Im Online-Modus findet ihr starke und dank Anfänger-Modus auch schwache Gegner. Schade allerdings, dass ihr in die Freundesliste nur die Spieler eintragen könnt, von denen ihr den Freundescode kennt.

Gameblog.fr (8 out of 10) (80%)

L'addiction et le plaisir de jeu ayant la fabuleuse propriété de courber l'espace temps de celui qui s'y investit. A un niveau supérieur de compréhension des finesses du soft, on se délectera également à provoquer des combos d'annihilation de briques en chaîne, par un assemblage de pièces mûrement pensé. Ce spectacle réjouissant ne manquera d'ailleurs pas de nous confronter à notre propre intelligence narcissique, nous enfermant dans une sorte de satisfaction docte et égocentrique perpétuelle. Si on ajoute à cela une quinzaine de modes de jeu hétéroclites, la possibilité de se mesurer à un keum connecté sur le ouaibe situé à l'autre bout de la planète, d'affronter ses amis dans des parties endiablées en quatuor, de chatter via le Wifi... on obtient au final un jeu de réflexion très complet, qui n'a pas inventé le fil à couper l'eau chaude mais dont l'ergonomie et les challenges s'avèrent fort jouissifs. Moi en tous cas, il ne m'en faut pas plus pour m'occuper royalement aux gogues.

Eurogamer.net (UK) (8 out of 10) (80%)

Rounding out your options, you can play four-player games on one copy of the game, or go online to compete. There's even a facility for voice communications for people you've exchanged "friend codes" with, and this doesn't require a headset (the DS has a microphone in it, after all), but you can use one if you want. Really there's very little to get in the way of a high mark. Execution is near-flawless throughout, and while the presentation's a bit on the garish side (and seemingly influenced by Q Entertainment's Meteos, which is a sort of hyperactive sideways space-based Panel de Pon anyway), you can stick to the graphical layout you like best by tweaking options pre-game. So yes, this is a very fine Panel de Pon game, and one of the best buys available for DS owners this month. For people who like Panel de Pon, obviously.

Gamestyle (8 out of 10) (80%)

Puzzle League is an exceptionally good puzzle game. It’s easy to play, but is significantly challenging to master. The touchscreen control work particularly well and it is ideal for the console, offering a variety of depths in terms of gameplay. It can be a five minute distraction, or an afternoon’s entertainment, and the different modes will keep you coming back day after day.

G4 TV: X-Play ( ) (80%)

Planet Puzzle League offers all that you’d want in a puzzler for the DS, and probably a couple of things you wouldn’t have ever thought to ask for. Tetris Attack veterans likely already have it -- newer puzzle fans should give it a look for another addictive twist on moving stacks of blocks around.

Games TM (8 out of 10) (80%)

It lacks the sheer personality of Puzzle Quest or the exciting dynamism of Meteos, but it's every bit as hypnotic. And at a penny under £20, with its wealth of options ensuring substantial longevity, you simply won't find a better value title on DS. Wonderful stuff.

Super Play (Sweden) (8 out of 10) (80%)

Planet Puzzle League vill inte bli den nya statusprylen som skryter med stora explosioner och de senaste klubbhitsen, det nöjer sig gott och väl med att vara det där pedantiskt putsade klockverket som aldrig går fel.

GamerDad ( ) (80%)

The myriad of game modes will keep solo players busy for a long time. Tackle Endless Mode, go for high scores in Time Attack, compete against the computer, clear blocks with limited moves in Puzzle Mode, and much, much more. Friends can even compete wirelessly with single cart multiplayer modes. Best of all, Planet Puzzle League truly goes planetary with online WiFi. Play against random puzzlers, people in your friend code list, or players of the same skill level. With so many ways to play, Planet Puzzle League will please puzzle fans of any age.

Games TM ( ) (80%)

[Online review] Those whose brains simply can't think 12 moves ahead at high speed will flee straight to the Novice rooms where everyone is happy to play in a more relaxed style but, unfortunately, these rooms can only be accessed for a limited period of time. Eventually, they're going to have to step up the plate and learn to play properly... or just quit.

GameSpot (7.5 out of 10) (75%)

Even though the game itself is far from puzzle-perfect, Planet Puzzle League is a fun title with enough worthy challenges to warrant playing. Its weird, paradoxical combo scheme keeps it from approaching the greatness of games like Lumines, Tetris, or Super Puzzle Fighter, but if you're looking for a new way to flex your brain and test your reflexes, this piece is a solid fit.

Jeuxvideo.com (15 out of 20) (75%)

Puzzle League DS a presque tout pour plaire : un gameplay simple mais horriblement stratégique et addictif, des modes à foison et un multijoueur de grande classe. Dommage que de petits détails, comme la présentation générale du titre ainsi qu'une bande-son pas très heureuse viennent troubler, très légèrement il est vrai, un bilan autrement très positif. Je reste cependant persuadé que la plupart des joueurs sauront passer outre ces menus défauts et se joindront avec bonheur à la Puzzle League. Amis gamers, à vos stylets.

Consoles Plus (14 out of 20) (70%)

Un jeu de réflexion au concept maîtrisé et digne d'intérêt, même s'il n'apporte finalement pas grand-chose après les autres hits du genre tels que Meteos.

Pocket Gamer UK (6 out of 10) (60%)

Aside from its online gameplay, Planet Puzzle League has little new to offer over more engaging rivals.