Developer : Arika CO., LTD
Publisher: 
SquareEnix
Platform: Nintendo 3DS
Genre: Puzzle
ESRB: ‘E’ for Everyone
Release Date: March 27, 2011 Out now!
Price: 29.99
Buy it Here: Walmart, Bestbuy, Gamestop
Bust-a-Move Universe is a pretty straight forward puzzle game. I recall this series in the arcades having a ever lasting appeal to alot of kids in those times. However does it stand up to many standards of now after so many ports, sequels and remixes. The game play has two modes, Puzzle Mode and Challenge Mode. The twist on this game is the sharp presentation of 3D, or 2D for those who can not handle the 3D gimmick. The music is the same Bust a move tune you all remember but for each 8 spanning across 8 plants with each holding a Boss. Back to the music is the same tune from the other games, but with a fresh new remix to suit the theme. The effects of the 3D stand out as you perform the main objective of the game, which is match 3 and whatever color you can pair up with, and remove all the color themed bubbles til they are gone. There are a few special bubble attacks in this Bust-A-Move, like Spark Bubbles that fire on a 3D arc, changing the color whatever bubbles are in its blast radius; Wild Bubbles, a wildcard orb; and the Laser Bubble, a destructive beam. Once there all gone, you win 1 out of the 10 rounds per planet. A simple aim and shoot style puzzle matching fun arcade style games of the past is present and if you enjoy these sort of games will leave you hungry for more. When you complete the 8 planets.
Closing Thoughts: First off, on a fair note the game is well put together no too many flaws, and it holds up as a great game to play with as something for the kids and adults who enjoy a casual puzzle game. The downside I was done with Puzzle mode too soon which was a little disappointing, as I enjoy puzzle games with great length. Back to basics, with a few new friends in game play the game is addicting and easy to play as its a simple format of aim and shot. The boss battles were sadly all the same a few as you progress covering a little challenge as they bounce or move faster then the older themed bosses being a semi large bubble. the 3D elements of design are fantastic and pop out at you when you do a large chain or the common font pops up to let you know when a stage starts. The soundtrack was quite nice and synced well with the themes of each planet. Apart from a short Puzzle mode due to easy progression the game held out well and did not disappoint that casual side of my gamer-hood(yea I invented a word).
We give this game: 8.5
+Simple, fun, and straight forward
+Sound track is great with all the remixes of the classic Bust a move score
-a little short in the Puzzle Mode
