Since its creation in 2004, Lumines has had an excellent reputation for being addictive and entertaining. The game is one of my favourite puzzle games. So, when I first heard about Lumines Remastered, I was utterly excited to play it again. If you enjoyed playing Tetris Effect or Rez, and you still want more excitement, Lumines Remastered is the perfect puzzle game for you. Lumines Remastered was developed and published by Enhanced Games. It is available on PS4, Xbox One, Switch, and PC platforms. You can also play the game through the handheld mode on Switch or the console.

It Only Gets More Exciting

After playing Tetris on Game Boy for years, gamers were finally ready for a newer and better puzzle experience when Lumines came along. Although other companies published more puzzle games, none could compete with Tetris until Lumines. When puzzle lovers thought there couldn’t be a better puzzle game, Mizuguchi created Lumines Remastered in 2018. The game is still as exciting as it was in 2004, with more thrills and action. 

In Remastered, players still get to use the same formula as the original game, but in a more exciting and entertaining light. Lumines introduced more Skins (music tracks) in this version to give more life and an electronic symphony to the game. The electronic soundtrack also lets you enjoy the vibrations even more as you make every calculated and fast-paced move in the game.

Straightforward and Interesting Gameplay

This video game stacks up various coloured blocks to create different patterns. The player’s target is to reach the top of the screen in less than two minutes. The blocks are lined up so that when one falls, it pushes another block down and continues to fall until all blocks have fallen.  

Players can earn points by stacking more than three or more blocks at a time.  When they complete a level, the player’s progress towards unlocking new levels is saved automatically on their device. One of the most helpful features when playing Lumines Remastered is that I could undo my mistakes and fix them with just one button press.

The gameplay is similar to the original version, where players must look for open slots to put their blocks. If players move their cursor around, they could find bigger spaces that give them more points.  Although Lumines Remastered is a two-dimensional puzzle game, it seems like there’s a bit of hidden depth. The gameplay is just as addictive as it always has been, but it feels more refreshing with the updates. This modernised version of the original makes for a delightful gaming experience.

Improved Visuals and Design

Lumines Remastered, just like its predecessors, has iconic and addictive gameplay. The new version of the game features some vital upgrades and new features while retaining the original look and sound of the prequel. The game features a new interface as well as improved graphics. The visuals are beautiful, with a modernised design that looks crisp and colourful on the computer or phone screen. And of course, the music has been recreated to be sharper than ever and clear as well. It also has an updated 3D design and music tracks by renowned DJ Taku Takahashi.

Solo, Competitive, or Cooperative?

This fast-paced puzzle game can be played either alone or with friends. You can choose between performing in the single-player mode or multiplayer mode. No matter what you select, Lumines Remastered promises a great gaming time. In single-player mode, players need to combine different blocks to create lines that use up the whole screen. The goal of each level is to eliminate the blocks from the board, so they don’t reach the top. And in multiplayer mode, players need to combine different blocks to create lines that use up the whole screen. They have to play with their friends locally since there is currently no online mode.

 Players can choose from the competitive or the cooperative mode in the multiplayer mode. In the competitive mode, the system counts every player’s point for each line they create, and the player with the highest point wins the game.  In cooperative mode, on the other hand, everyone needs to work together and clear all blocks from the board before time runs out.

Different Game Modes to Choose From

If you’re wondering what’s new in Lumines Remastered, here is what you need to know. Many new gameplay modes have been added to the game. There is Lumines 2’s mission mode that requires strategic thinking skills. The attack mode is also part of the latest gameplay modes, which tests your speed and ability to think fast. My favourite game mode among the newly added modes is the Skin Edit mode, where players can choose from the many music tracks in the game.

Though the new gameplay modes are exciting and addictive, it is also great to know that Lumines did not throw away its former modes. They returned the challenge mode to the new version, and it is just as compelling as ever. The Long Journey and Shinin also returned to the screen, which is an excellent advantage if you played Lumines earlier. These gameplay modes make you feel like Mizuguchi is taking you on a journey to the past, where those beautiful gaming memories await you, but in a clearer light. Lumines Remastered lets you relive the good old days while creating new memories and experiences.

Conclusion

Lumines Remastered is more than just an updated version of the original puzzle game in 2004. The classic version and some new features made this one fun to play repeatedly. Whether you played Lumines or not, you will most likely enjoy Lumines Remastered if you enjoy good puzzle games. The game manages to keep people coming back for more due to its outstanding graphics and design.