They say sometimes imitation is the best form of flattery, well so the saying goes, and generally that can be true in most cases. In the gaming world, that can be a good or bad thing, too much imitation and similarity to a popular game, can just lead to poor development, all for the purpose of gaining some quick cases. However, sometimes it can be interesting to see ports of popular titles, which is what we have with this faithful recreation of the elements of the popular puzzle series Bust a Move, in Pengupop. Essentially all the game play elements of linking up 3 colored balls and clearing the screen is the goal of this game, and while it may seem like a simplistic goal, it still is quite addicting, and has the added bonus of having online multiplayer gaming. So if you are a fan of the Bust a Move or Snood series, then give this game a try.

There is no story mode in this game; you basically have two options to choose from when you start with single player. The first mode, basically allows you to play through different stages as you try to clear the level of the coloured balls. The next mode is essentially a free play mode, or infinite mode, where you try your best to get rid of everything on screen and it won’t be easy, when it’s already ¾ filled.

Graphically, there is not much of the game to see.  You get to see the same blueish background as you advance through the levels.  It would have been nice if there had been a lot of variety in this area, rather than having just that background.  But the game is not about graphics anyways. As I said before, the goal of the game is to shoot your coloured balls either by bouncing them off the wall, or by moving your launcher and shooting at whatever angle you decide. Once you link up 3 of the coloured balls, you will remove them from the screen and you continue to do this, until you clear the screen of all the balls.

The game is a great port of the classic Bust a Move series, everything about that game is recreated faithfully. The exception is that instead of the cute dinosaurs from those games, you get penguins in this one, so that’s really the only change and really if ya think about it, nothing that huge. It was also great to see that online multiplayer was supported. You have the option of randomly joining a game or by finding someone to play in the lounge. You will have to set up a user name at the homepage of the site, in order to enter the lounge and enter your high scores at the site, should you do so.

Still the game felt a bit empty with the lack of options and just different modes. It would have been nice if the game had included more modes, or maybe the ability to change settings in regards to the whole puzzle concept. The game can also get a bit repetitive for the non puzzle fans, but if you have played a game like this before, then you will know what to expect.

Despite some of the shortcomings, this was an enjoyable game to play and recommend it if you wish to challenge yourself with this type of game, some of the scenarios will really make you think and plan how you will approach clearing a stage. So check out Pengupop and see it for yourself.