PSN Review: Chime Super Deluxe

Look closely. You might catch a smile.

By: Uma Smith

Music has a way of touching people’s hearts. Developer Zoe Mode accomplished that when Chime was released for Xbox Live back in 2010 in an effort to raise money for charity. As a puzzle game that is both simple and addictive with appropriate use of music, it’s no wonder that it ended up a success. This year, Zoe Mode has gifted the gaming world with Chime Super Deluxe for the PlayStation Network. With an updated look and new multiplayer modes, players have the chance to soak in the game’s charm, as well as its chimes.

CONTROLS (5/5)

Players should be able to figure out right off the bat how to move and manipulate the shapes. Zoe Mode made the right choice of having the usual button layout that puzzle gamers are familiar with. It doesn’t get any simpler than moving the shapes with the left stick, rotating them with the shoulder buttons and releasing with X. What results is a control scheme that is flexible and friendly to novice players that may have just been exposed to the puzzle genre for the first time.

GRAPHICS/SOUND (4/5)

Chime Super Deluxe may not jump off the screen with impressive or detailed graphics, but the background has nice, subtle animations that prevent the game from looking boring. At best, the color scheme and visual quality could be described as satisfactory. But what can you expect from a game that only displays shapes and a grid on screen? Despite the simplistic look, players will still be content as there are no signs of the “action” slowing nor any cluttering that could get in the way of the enjoyment.

What really highlights the game is the music that is produced by a variety of artists. Every grid has its own song that starts with a bare bones track. With each move, there is an additional musical element blended into the track. Players will either be chillin’ to the instrumental treatment courtesy of Joe Hogan‘s Sympathy or be gettin’ down with the bass thanks to Sabrepulse‘s Play With You.

GAMEPLAY (4.5/5)

Chime Super Deluxe is basically a puzzle game that involves laying down various blocks onto a grid with the intent of creating quads consisting of at least 4×4 squares. A vertical beatline constantly moves across the screen and embeds any quads it encounters into the grid. Remaining pieces will end up having a limited time for players to use them to form quads. Otherwise, they end up disappearing as well as disrupting the multiplier needed for achieving high scores.

Players must also attempt to have quads embedded on 100 percent of the grid area. Doing so will have a different grid come up. In total, there are 10 levels with five different grids each. Additional shapes will be included as players progress through the game.

The enjoyment lies in creating bigger quads either horizontally or vertically. When a quad is first formed, there is a limited amount of time players have to increase the size of it. The bigger the quad, the more points are earned. This means that planning, as well as speed, is vital in attaining a high score. An online leaderboard is featured in Chime Super Deluxe, which is an absolute bonus to those that would like to compare their scores on a global scale.

Being both challenging and addictive, this puzzle title is able to hold its replay value despite its simplicity. Starting with Timed Mode, players can choose to play for three, six or nine minutes. Levels are unlocked by successfully covering 50 percent of the grid from the previous level. If enough levels are unlocked, a Free Mode is accessible where players can engage in the gameplay with the luxury of having no time limit.

Having local multiplayer support for up to four players allows Chime Super Deluxe to be appreciated even further. In co-op mode, friends get the chance to work together to achieve a common goal before time runs out. Things can get heated while in versus mode with the ability to steal either quads or coverage from opponents. In either case, it’s never a dull moment when friends are involved.

OVERALL (4.25/5)

A straightforward puzzle title with a mesmerizing soundtrack, Chime Super Deluxe provides an enjoyable and challenging experience. With this “super deluxe” PSN release, players can look forward to having good times while gettin’ down with the game’s chimes.