The Video Game Critic

After going through my collection of games across various platforms, I realized I've never bought a puzzle game! I'm considering Wetrix on the n64 or the sequel Aqua Aqua for the PS2. Does anyone have any recommendations on other good puzzle games? Please focus on PS1, PS2 and N64 only.

Only ones I know on psx are Super Puzzle Fighter II Turbo and Puzzle Bobble. They are both very fun games. Are you looking for traditional Tetris style ones or action puzzle games?

Good puzzle games for PS1, PS2 and/or N64, eh? You have a couple of good choices, so let's take the systems one by one.

On N64, the best puzzle game by far is Pokemon Puzzle League.  Although pretty much an update of Tetris Attack for the SNES, this one offers many improvements over the original, with a couple of new play styles (3D mode) a puzzle editor, and a much improved training mode.  Even if you despise Pokemon, this is a must-own.

On N64, I'd also recommend either Magical Tetris Challenge or The New Tetris.  Both are new versions of the classic puzzler, Tetris, but Magical Tetris Challenge adds a couple of new modes and pieces to spice up the original formula, while The New Tetris has a cool four-player mode.  OF these two, I'd perfer Magical Tetris Challenge because of the more responsive controls and lack of slowdown, but The New Tetris's four player mode is certainly nice...

You mentioned Wetrix, which I didn't play, but there's also Bust A Move 2, which is quite good, as well as Dr. Mario 64 and Bust a Move 99 (it has a four player mode unlike BAM 2).  And if you can handle its insane learning curve (I couldn't), there's also Tetrisphere, but hold that one as a last resort.

As far as the two Playstations are concerned, I'm not as knowledgeable about puzzle games for them, but I still know a few worth mentioning.

On PS1, though I've never played it, Super Puzzle Fighter 2 Turbo is a favorite of many people, but it's a rare one. I've also heard people discuss Devil Dice.  I'd personally recommend No One Can Stop Mr. Domino, a very fun and unique domino setting up game that certainly has puzzle elements to it.

On PS2, there's a sequel to Devil Dice called Bombastic.  Other than that, I think there was a Bust A Move for PS2 and some game called Egg Mania (both unplayed by me).  Personally, I think your best bet, assuming you don't already have them somewhere else, to look at some of the classic game collections. Sega Genesis Collection and Sonic Mega Collection have a couple of classic puzzle games in there (more of them in the Genesis one), and the first Midway and Taito collections may have a couple, though I'm not positive. 

If I can think of any more, I'll let you know.

Bust a Move 2 and BAM '99 are my picks. They are insanely addictive!

Lumines Plus for PS2 is pretty cool, it kind of has a Tetris-meets-techno vibe.
Wetrix+ is an okay action/puzzler for Dreamcast, so the N64 version is probably similar.
Mercury Meltdown Remix is a fun action/puzzle game (more action than puzzle, I guess) for PS2.

- Mark

[QUOTE=BigOldCar]

You may have trouble tracking it down, but I really enjoy Intelligent Qube / Intelligent Cube on the original Playstation.

[/QUOTE]

Prices exceed $70 on ebay. I can't justify spending that much even if I had loads of money. Wasn't there supposed to be a PS2 update? It was featured in an EGM PS2 months before the PS2 came out.

[QUOTE=andrew]After going through my collection of games across various platforms, I realized I've never bought a puzzle game! I'm considering Wetrix on the n64 or the sequel Aqua Aqua for the PS2. Does anyone have any recommendations on other good puzzle games? Please focus on PS1, PS2 and N64 only.
[/QUOTE]

Bust-A-Move 2 Arcade Edition - N64
Puyo Pop Fever - PS2 (Import; you can only get it on GC domestically)