Puzzle Games

[granz]

Super Columns, mainly for its Endless mode. It's the only Columns game that really expands upon the original formula. Every other title is just more of the same.

The objective is to align three or more gems vertically, horizontally or diagonally. There's a gravity algorithm in play, so gems can actually fall into positions that result in chained matches as well. After you match a certain number of gems, a magic column appears. This can have varying effects, but usually eliminates every instance of a specific gem from the grid.

Next, there's the introduction of lanterns. When you match 4 or more gems simultaneously, a column with a lantern appears. Matching three or more lanterns will destroy all gems that intersect with it. If you match more than one column or row of lanterns in a single instance, then the entire game grid will actually be cleared.

In story mode play, you can earn various spells that either reward you or penalize your opponent. For instance, one spell will cause opponent columns to fall at ridiculously fast speeds for a short while.

I liked it enough to write a guide for it, mostly because a lot of things aren't clear if you don't own the instruction manual. (even the manual leaves out some details) Of course, being a Game Gear game, I'm sure not many people play it in this day and age. It's probably on Nintendo's Virtual Console service though. You can also find it on some of the plug-and-play Sega collections out there.

[KingMike]

It's probably on Nintendo's Virtual Console service though.

Not a single Game Gear game has been released in North America since the three launch games (Shinobi, Sonic Triple Trouble and Dragon Crystal). WHY?

[Chpexo]

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[FallenAngel2387]

^yeah, I was thinking of mentioning that one too. The first official localized game, you won't have any problems figuring things out on your own, but the 2nd game might require a guide by a  certain point.

[ChronoMoogle]

Tetris Attack and Kirby No Kira Kira Kids (SFC Version) are the best classic action puzzlers I can think of. A blast in two player mode and still pretty addicting if you play the puzzle, time attack or story modes.
But I have to admit that I really don't like endless modes in puzzle games, anyway in most good puzzle games it's no big loss to simply avoid them.

[Garoth Moulinoski]

I just realized I haven't recommended Pushmo or Crashmo! Great games! And Catherine seems to be in the same vein (have it, but I keep not playing it)

[granz]

I can also vouch for Kirby no KiraKira Kizzu (which really needs a translation by now) and Tetris Attack. I could play Tetris Attack for hours.

There's also Kirby's Star Stacker for GB, which is essentially the same game as KiraKira Kizzu.

The only other recommendation I can think of is Tetris 2 for NES. (a.k.a. Tetris Flash in Japan) It radically deviates from the typical Tetris formula, though. Instead of clearing lines, you're matching three or more blocks of the same color suite, and ultimately trying to clear the flashing blocks from the grid. It's like Columns' flash mode. The included VS. CPU mode is a lot of fun too. Of course, you can also play against a second human.

Not a single Game Gear game has been released in North America since the three launch games (Shinobi, Sonic Triple Trouble and Dragon Crystal). WHY?

Really? I would think there would be a ton of other GG games on VC by now. Those are some odd launch titles too. What about Sonic 2? It was way more popular than Triple Trouble. (then again, maybe the SMS version is already on VC)

[Jorpho]

Planet Puzzle League (the most recent incarnation of Tetris Attack) is one of the last games for the Nintendo DS that I am actively seeking.