Peggle 2 Review
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Peggle 2 is the sequel to the 2007 cult classic and aptly-named Peggle. For those uninitiated with the Peggle Universe, it’s essentially the most fun you can have sober and clothed (although neither are pre-requisites for playing, unless there are kids around. In which case, put some knickers on, you monster). In many ways, it’s standard fare in casual puzzle terms and most concepts in the game will come as little or no surprise to anyone familiar with the genre. The basic gist is as follows:
Each level contains a board of coloured pegs, which are largely a mixture of orange and blue. The player is given a limited number of balls to shoot at the pegs. Each peg hit is eliminated and the primary aim is to eliminate all orange pegs before running out of balls. Peggle 2 follows the same formula but offers more of it, which can’t be a bad thing. At first glance, the concept may not appear particularly tempting but this game possesses powers beyond my comprehension. It’s utterly and terrifyingly-addictive. It’s the crack cocaine of puzzle games. Had Peggle 2 been in existence in the 90s, I’m confident that Whitney Houston would still be with us today. She’d no longer be in any danger of drowning in the bath, that much is certain. In fact, she probably wouldn’t have baths at all. There’s no time for such unnecessary activities as personal hygiene practices when the warm glow of Peggle 2 is pulling you in like a magnetic rip tide of joyful wonder.
The game itself contains 120 levels, which are split into six worlds. Five of these worlds are overseen by a Peggle Master, an animated character that sits to the side of each level, watching proceedings with great interest. The sixth world becomes playable upon completion of the other five and allows the player to select which Master they wish to use. Each Master offers their own unique special shot, which is earned by either hitting a green peg or pulling off a mad piece of skill. These special shots are fun, varied and definitely useful in the more challenging levels. The Masters also have their own celebrations for successful completion of a level, some of which are pretty hilarious. For example, the Peggle master in one world is Luna, the undead zombie of a six-year-old girl. Her world (Gravely Grove) has more than a hint of Tim Burton about it. Luna’s special shot is called Nightshade, which allows the players’ ball to pass through all blue pegs and reach the more tricky orange ones. The special shots last for two turns each and can be activated more than once in each level. Luna’s celebration involves her jaw literally dropping off in excitement, as Ode to Joy plays out in the background.
As well as the blue, orange and green pegs, there are also purple ones that crop up from time to time. These offer a points boost and are useful in achieving high scores. The scoring system itself is based on multipliers. For every few orange pegs eliminated, the multiplier increases. Points are also awarded for particularly skilful shots.
Each level has additional objectives that add another dynamic to proceedings. Although optional, you’ll find yourself trying to achieve them all. They range from completing the level within a certain number of shots, clearing all pegs and achieving a points bonus for an individual shot. Achieving these objectives helps towards unlocking additional content, such as costumes for your Masters.
Of the twenty levels in each world, ten are regular ‘Adventure’ levels and ten are Trials, in which a specific objective is required in order to pass. With all these elements thrown in together, the game offers great value for money and much replay value.
Graphically, the game is bright, colourful and charming, like a Disco Sean Connery. The soundtrack is fantastic and atmospheric. Each world has its own take on a classical, erm, classic and the incidental sound effects help to add some very tender and juicy meat to the bones.
Multiplayer offers the chance to compete against other online players, in an attempt to reach the highest score which is fun but adds little to the experience.
Over all, Peggle 2 is a fantastic little game and sits right up there with the best puzzlers I’ve played. Some Peggle veterans may be frustrated that very little has changed from the original game to the sequel but most will see the new levels and challenges as a welcome addition to their collections. After all, the first game was fantastic and there’s little to be achieved from changing the formula. Just look at Super Mario 2. The addition of the new Peggle Masters and the 120 new levels are more than enough to merit spending £9.99 on this. Besides, it’s certainly a lot cheaper than Crack. Just ask Whitney Houston. Wait, never mind.
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