by Josh Komon

Created on: October 18, 2008   Last Updated: October 22, 2008

Very rarely are downloadable games this much fun. Peggle Nights by Popcap is an original innovative puzzler that could best be described as, "Plinko Gone Wild." Plinko of course is that favorite game for fans of "The Price Is Right." The idea here is to shoot balls from the top of the screen, and watch them bounce off pegs and other surfaces scattered throughout the screen. If you can hit all the red ones before running out of balls, you clear the stage. Stringing together hits on pegs earns you more points. The idea is simple, the game is not.

GAME PLAY

Anyone can play this game. All you need to do is aim and shoot, by dragging the mouse and clicking once. On the first few stages, pointing just about anywhere and clicking will allow you to clear the stage. As the game moves on, the stages get harder, and there are more bonuses for you to use. You will eventually need to play the ricochet, and count on the physics of the bouncing ball. The various layouts of the different stages prevents the game from getting stale. There is certainly a fair amount of luck involved, but skill will help you move on to the next level.

GRAPHICS

This game is interesting visually. The movement of the ball is smooth, which is of course the most important part. There are a few other graphics involved in the cut-scenes. These are of average quality, but certainly do not ruin the game.

SOUND

In my experience, most games can be played with the sound off, and be just as enjoyable if not more so. This game is definitely an exception to that rule. The sound is amazing and exciting. It is hard to not feel a sense of accomplishment while listening to the classic orchestral music playing as you clear a stage, and wait to see how many bonus points you will earn.

CREATIVITY AND INNOVATION

Innovation is rare in puzzle games, as it has all been done before. Peggle Nights has NOT been done before. Further, this new idea was well thought out, perfected, and even includes a fair amount of subtle humor.

OVERALL

Hands down, this is the best game I've ever reviewed. It sells for $19.95, and it's worth every penny. The most important thing I look for in a video game is fun. Peggle Nights has plenty of it. Of course, a 5/5.

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