Puyo Puyo~n

About

Puyo Puyo~n is a puzzle game that builds on the match-3 mechanics of its predecessors with new mechanics. Players link colored Puyos to clear lines and build chain reactions that charge a special meter. This meter lets you unleash powerful attacks against opponents in head-to-head matches or story mode. The game introduces variable grid sizes for custom puzzles but cuts down on modes from earlier entries. Single player and split-screen options let you play alone or with a friend on systems from N64 to PSP. The story follows Arle searching for her missing friend Carbuncle in a surreal circus world. Its narrative mode shifts rules between stages to keep gameplay fresh, a first for the series. Progress saves after each level letting you pause and return without losing ground. Visuals break from past entries with a stark art style later used in Minna de Puyo Puyo. Only released in Japan in 1999, it remains a niche entry in the long-running Puyo Puyo series.

Storyline

With the advent of the Puyo Puyo Circus, Arle and Carbuncle have come to visit and take part in festivities. Arle makes her way to one of the tents to watch a show, led by Satan as the ringmaster. As part of one of the acts, Satan requests a volunteer to come down to the stage. With Carbuncle as said volunteer, he performed a disappearing act, making him vanish before the crowd. After Arle leaves the tent after the show has concluded, she realizes Carbuncle is nowhere to be found. Thus, Arle begins to explore the circus grounds in search of her friend. Puyo Puyo~n features a Beginner and Normal course. The Beginner course features the first three stages and does not play cutscenes. Arle cannot use her personal Super attack in story mode, but can call upon the powers of Draco Centauros, Serilly, Witch, and Chico as the player advances. Unlike previous Puyo Puyo story modes, the gameplay rules drastically change between stages. Due to the length of the Story Mode compared to other Puyo Puyo games, the game saves after every stage. This allows the player to quit and then start back on their current stage without losing progress.