[360 REVIEW] Yosumin! Live

Written by Sean Mitchell

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Yosumin! LIVE Review by: Sean Mitchell Developer: Square-Enix Publisher: Square-Enix Platform: XBOX 360 Release Date: 5/27/09 Yosumin! LIVE marks the first Square-Enix endeavor in the puzzle realm on the XBOX 360, and they might just be on to something. At first glance, Yosumin! looks like a Bejeweled copycat with a Puyo Pop coat of paint, however this game doesn't involve any pieces falling from the top of the screen. The basic gameplay involves making rectangles out of the various colored Yosumin, making sure that all corners of the rectangle are of the same color. Unlike most other puzzle games, there is no movement of the pieces by the player--with rare exceptions of special Yosumin with wings--and the player must look for a pattern which already exists.

It starts as a somewhat confusing formula, as it isn't the norm for a puzzle game of this style, but the gameplay rules lend itself to the strongest part of the game: competitive multi-player. The multi-player aspect has both players competing on the same grid, causing some high tension since you can see what your opponent is trying to do. You'll find yourself scrambling to ruin your opponent’s attempts at large chains and strategically looking for a move you can make as well. Each player has a timer and it's game over when one runs out. Players are also given the option of a character for them to choose in the form of one of the Yosumin blocks. Each character has a special ability which can be triggered to give you the competitive edge or antagonize your opponent.

The game could almost be recommended based on the online multiplayer alone, that is, if anyone ever played this game on XBOX Live. It can take forever to find a game.

The game also sports the "Endless Yosumin" mode, which serves as a way to introduce various gameplay elements to the player. The difficulty in this mode ramps up at a suitable rate, but you can't save; your challenge reverts back to the basics every time you want to play by yourself.

Though the different gameplay elements help differentiate this game from others, its adventure mode is nowhere to be seen. Players of Puyo Pop or Bust a Move know adventure mode as a very basic story used as a tool to provide various challenges to the player. No such mode is included in Yosumin! LIVE with the inital purchase. The adventure mode can be purchased as DLC for 80 MS Points ($1). Although it’s fun and challenging, it should have been included from the start.

In spite of its main missing element, Yosumin! LIVE is a fairly addictive and average puzzler that needs just a little bit of refining to become a great puzzle game.

Bottom Line: 6.5 out of 10

All in all: Check out the Trial Version before you buy. The Adventure Mode is a must buy for those who enjoy the game, and the 800 MS Point ($10) price point for the base game isn't too bad.