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RetroforceGO! records episode 84 tonight: Puzzle games photo

Back in 1985, a guy by the name of Alexey Pajitnov designed a game called Tetris. In years following, it's spawned countless clones, variations and altogether new games, perhaps most notably the upcoming smash hit Wii Ware title, Puzzle Puzzle Puzzle.

Since then, many of us have spent our nights with visions of dropping blocks and exploding gems infecting our dreams, slowly driving us crazy after the years until we've found ourselves hopelessly addicted to this kind of thing. Puzzle games, people. They're like crack, but without the hookers and knife fights. We love them, you love them, and there are likely quite a few of the aforementioned crack whores who enjoy a few rounds of Dr. Mario while they're waiting for the next John to show up.

Tonight, we'll look back at how all this insanity got its start, and talk about our own drugs of choice. Chances are you've got a few favorites of your own, so hit the comments and leave us a question or two. 








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108 comments | showing # 1 to 50
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next 50 comments

pendelton21's Avatar - Comment posted on 03/26/2009 13:02
pendelton21
Question for Topher: What's the largest gem size you've gotten on Super Puzzle Fighter? Just wondering.

Also, if there isn't some mention of the greatest puzzle game ever, a.k.a. Doctor Robotnik's Mean Bean Machine, I don't think I can listen to you guys anymore.
Luke Barnard's Avatar - Comment posted on 03/26/2009 13:05
Luke Barnard
how long was your longest run in tetris?
pendelton21's Avatar - Comment posted on 03/26/2009 13:05
pendelton21
Oh, here's a good question: which puzzle game is a better remedy for being sick, Dr. Mario or Dr. Robotnick's MBM?
Demtor's Avatar - Comment posted on 03/26/2009 13:07
Demtor
Yikes, I'm going to feel like an idiot listening to this one. I've played Tetris and Dr. Mario... thats it.
eternalplayer2345's Avatar - Comment posted on 03/26/2009 13:09
eternalplayer2345
Do you think puzzle games are the easiest type of game to achieve a certain kind of zen when playing? that feeling when you are just in the zone doing ridiculously well and all you see is the game.

what puzzle game can you go the longest in?

do you prefer static puzzles or ones with falling blocks of some sort.

What is your most hated puzzle game? Mine is defiently yoshi's cookie it just seems a bit pointless

Can you talk about how great pac-attack is no one ever talks about that.

Am I asking to many questions?

What is the most satisfying connection to make in a puzzle game? a tetris, launching tons of metoes, getting a super combo in puzzle fighter?

what's your favorite version of tetris?

panel de pon, tetris attack or planet puzzle league?
Chronic Logic's Avatar - Comment posted on 03/26/2009 13:09
Chronic Logic
TETRISPHERE!!!
mr spooky's Avatar - Comment posted on 03/26/2009 13:11
mr spooky
Bust-A-Move, tetris: tetra meaning 4, and Luminous. Super puzzle fighter
eternalplayer2345's Avatar - Comment posted on 03/26/2009 13:11
eternalplayer2345
Oh, Oh one more! With games like Henry Hatsworth and puzzle quest fusing puzzle games with different genres what would another genre you would like to see mixed in with puzzle games.
q-pa's Avatar - Comment posted on 03/26/2009 13:11
q-pa
EPIC!

Was I the only one who didn't realize until years later that getting "Tetrises" ("Tetri?") were the whole point of playing Tetris? I was perfectly content to get Singles and Doubles...
I was stupid as a kid.
Colette Bennett's Avatar - Comment posted on 03/26/2009 13:13
Colette Bennett
I CAN TALK ABOUT PUZZLE QUEST YAY
AlmightyTooth's Avatar - Comment posted on 03/26/2009 13:16
AlmightyTooth
PoKeMoN Puzzle League!!!
calpis's Avatar - Comment posted on 03/26/2009 13:17
calpis
@Topher & Stella: On a scale of 1-10, How painful is a Devilot vs Devilot match in Puxxle Fighter?

Rhythm games seem to be the best genre to have a mash-up with puzzle games. What would be the worst genre of game to have a puzzle game mash-up? Also, what would you name it? (+1 point for wiiware-esque title, +2 points for saying it in double dribble speak)
none's Avatar - Comment posted on 03/26/2009 13:19
none
Which version of tetris was your favorite? (mine was original gameboy)
Tetris ,peggle, or crack - which is more addicting?

@chronic logic: yes! tetrisphere needs more love!
Stella Wong's Avatar - Comment posted on 03/26/2009 13:21
Stella Wong
OMG I'M GOING TO TALK ABOUT PUYO POP :DDD
Senisan's Avatar - Comment posted on 03/26/2009 13:22
Senisan
I remember back in my local grocery store the owner had a couple of arcades and one of them was Gals Panic. I used to feel so naughty playing that game. I play that now and realize this game is frustrating and I can't believe I spent all that money to see pictures of anime girls.
welkstar's Avatar - Comment posted on 03/26/2009 13:25
welkstar
I think I may have a serious addiction to Dr. Mario. I actually had to leave the cart at my parents house because I can just lose hours to that game so quickly. I'm surrounded by all these new games, but I just sit there flippin pills at viruses.

I've yet to try the Wiiware version. I'm afraid, that shits my crack.
BulletTrain's Avatar - Comment posted on 03/26/2009 13:26
BulletTrain
Super puzzle fighter II turbo, and Bust-a-move.

Discuss.
seigfreid's Avatar - Comment posted on 03/26/2009 13:26
seigfreid
Which version of Puzzle Fighter do you enjoy more? Arcade or not-arcade? Not arcade means xbox pretty much.
Guagloves's Avatar - Comment posted on 03/26/2009 13:27
Guagloves
Colette, what is the longest amount of time you have played Puzzle Quest for in one sitting?
s0lesurviv0r's Avatar - Comment posted on 03/26/2009 13:27
s0lesurviv0r
Anyone else praying for a new Magical Drop game?
Dr Spaceman's Avatar - Comment posted on 03/26/2009 13:28
Dr Spaceman
not retro, but still awesome: Professor Layton!

Some games have had puzzles be a small portion of the game (ie hacking in Bioshock). Have you ever found yourself playing a game just for the in-game puzzles, and not the actual game?
Char Aznable's Avatar - Comment posted on 03/26/2009 13:29
Char Aznable
After long periods of time playing Tetris, do you also see patterns in bathroom floor tiles?

Please shed some light on something for me: does Tetris show a rocket ship blasting off if you beat the game? How does one beat Tetris?
alpha486's Avatar - Comment posted on 03/26/2009 13:30
alpha486
You know when you've been playing something like tetris for a while, and even after you stop playing, you can't stop playing it in your head? It has a name, and it's called Tetris effect.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tetris_effect

What games have given you Tetris effect?
Pyroph's Avatar - Comment posted on 03/26/2009 13:31
Pyroph
Topher does the post
Dyson is the host
Chad laughs the most
Colette does not boast
Stella does the toast
This episode may contain Meteos
de BLOO's Avatar - Comment posted on 03/26/2009 13:31
de BLOO
shit, Topher is going talk bout puzzle fighter all podcast.

My Question:

Was hasn't Splash tetris been given some praise for being the best tetris game you could ask for in the current gen?
calpis's Avatar - Comment posted on 03/26/2009 13:34
calpis
How much fail is made up of the American version of the Japanese Human Tetris game show?
XanderSan's Avatar - Comment posted on 03/26/2009 13:38
XanderSan
Wetrix; Most underrated puzzle title ever?
Hitogoroshi's Avatar - Comment posted on 03/26/2009 13:39
Hitogoroshi
Is it possible for a game to be better than Magical Drop III? (awnser:no)

@solesurvivor - No. I do not pray for another Magical Drop game because MD3 is the greatest gift ever given to mankind.
Darren Nakamura's Avatar - Comment posted on 03/26/2009 13:39
Darren Nakamura
You cannot do this topic and not talk about Tetris Attack! aka Panel de Pon aka Puzzle League. It is the best puzzle game in the history of puzzle games.
seifd's Avatar - Comment posted on 03/26/2009 13:43
seifd
Kirby's Avalanche vs. Dr. Robotnick's Mean Bean Machine. Discuss.
Stella Wong's Avatar - Comment posted on 03/26/2009 13:43
Stella Wong
Magical drop III is supremely superior
odber's Avatar - Comment posted on 03/26/2009 13:44
odber
Question time:

What genre mashup would you like to see that hasn't already been done with puzzle games or what game would you like to see with added puzzle mechanics?

calpis's Avatar - Comment posted on 03/26/2009 13:44
calpis
Last one:

What 1 puzzle game would to take with you on a wifi enabled desserted island?

By desserted island I mean, an island that is not only uninhabited but also grows delicious sugary desserts like mcdonalds' oreo mcflurry, skittles, cheesecake, and even slurpees. Endless amounts and super high in the sugar content.
JRisJunior's Avatar - Comment posted on 03/26/2009 13:44
JRisJunior
A comparison question for you guys. Compare the addictiveness of different puzzle games to the addictiveness of different drugs.

example: puzzle puzzle puzzle has the addictiveness quality of the drug Cheese

PS: if the link doesn't work, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cheese_drug
TskTsk's Avatar - Comment posted on 03/26/2009 13:45
TskTsk
If you could be a retro game, a physical copy of a video game cartridge, which one would you be? Also which console do you think you would be?
Brian Keljore's Avatar - Comment posted on 03/26/2009 13:48
Brian Keljore
I really have nothing to add. But my mom used to play Dr Mario until my little brother fell asleep. That is all.
s0lesurviv0r's Avatar - Comment posted on 03/26/2009 13:50
s0lesurviv0r
Has anybody played either of the Puzzle Link games on the Neo Geo Pocket Color?
JTHomeslice's Avatar - Comment posted on 03/26/2009 13:51
JTHomeslice
Tetris Attack.

Discuss.
nilcam's Avatar - Comment posted on 03/26/2009 13:55
nilcam
I first got into puzzle games thanks to Bust a Move (Puzzle Bobble) on an SNK cabinet in my local arcade. I even had a weekly battle against these 2 girls every Saturday night for a few months. What are your fondest memories of puzzle games and where did it begin for you?
P3T3Y's Avatar - Comment posted on 03/26/2009 13:55
P3T3Y
Why is it that we're instinctively drawn to either arranging colored blocks that are falling or swapping them around?

P3T3Y's List of Awesome Puzzle games: (in no particular order)
Incredible Machine
Marble Madness
Wario's Woods
Yoshi Cookie
Kirby's Avalanche
Puyo Puyo (aka Dr. Robotnick's Mean Bean Machine)
Tetris Attack
TetriSphere
Magnetica
Meteos
Picross
Puzzle Quest (NOT GALATRIX)
Lumines
ChuChu Rocket
INTELLIGENT QUBE

Also, fuck Solomon's Key

Handy list of puzzle video games
TskTsk's Avatar - Comment posted on 03/26/2009 13:55
TskTsk
What do you think of the changes that nintendo made for tetris in Tetris DS, is the easier gameplay (Block preview before you place it) for the better or worse?
A New Challenger's Avatar - Comment posted on 03/26/2009 13:56
A New Challenger
Thread/show needs more Adventures of Lolo. There are a ton of falling block/match 3 puzzle games, but I really love Lolo and similar action puzzlers (Toki Tori on Game Boy Color/WiiWare being another fine example.) That said, I've never played much of Lemmings for some reason.

But yeah, Lolo! I borrowed Adventures Of Lolo 3 from a friend some 10 or so years ago and loved it. Some of the puzzles are just devious, I got stuck on some level and could not figure out what to do. I bought the first one after it hit the Virtual Console and finished it in two sittings that night. So good.

I also got addicted to the overlooked Wario's Woods for a time when I found it in Animal Crossing. Nearly finished the main mode, but couldn't work fast enough.
Wexx's Avatar - Comment posted on 03/26/2009 13:58
Wexx
Are there any puzzle games that use food as blocks? I'm really hungry, and I want to paly a puzzle game right now, so a puzzlegame with food would be perfect.
Rabspat's Avatar - Comment posted on 03/26/2009 14:00
Rabspat
Many games that are very different tend to be categorized in the puzzle genre, all the way from Tetris to Portal. What defines a puzzle game?
Dead Movie Star's Avatar - Comment posted on 03/26/2009 14:01
Dead Movie Star
Tetris 2 for the SNES is possibly the worst game I have ever played. It may have been my high expectations, it may have been my short attention span, but that godless creature did not stay in my SNES for long. What it did do was compel me to see what is inside a SNES cartridge. One trip under an SUV later I discovered there wasn't much in the ways of game under that shell. Huh.


Also, I like Puzzle Fighter but I don't understand it. Some arcade games need manuals.
Senisan's Avatar - Comment posted on 03/26/2009 14:02
Senisan
@Wexx puyo puyo pieces look like they could be made into gummi's :)
Discarded Couch Sandwich's Avatar - Comment posted on 03/26/2009 14:07
Discarded Couch Sandwich
Isn't it the worst feeling ever when you come crashing back to reality after making a single shoddy move in a puzzle game? ;)

I might play some Puzzle League to get me psyched for this show now. Pokemon style, as its the only one I actually have at my fingertips right now. :) (I always wanted that version on the N64 where there was a bunch of anime characters and a surfer with a bag on his head. The first time I saw that game the whole japaneseness of it looked ace!)
Bango Skank's Avatar - Comment posted on 03/26/2009 14:07
Bango Skank
Everyone talks about Yoshi's Cookie, but what about Yoshi on the NES?!

Also, if you had to be one Tetromino, which shape would you be?
electric goldfish's Avatar - Comment posted on 03/26/2009 14:07
electric goldfish
Do you play puzzle game to relax or to stimulate your brain? I love to load up puzzle games and just switch off the thinking part of my brain and go into 'matching mode'. Just recently discovered Pokemon Trozei to add to my puzzle love.

Also, I remember hearing somewhere that puzzles were more 'girl games'. I think this is crap, and that they're fun for both genders. Agree? Disagree?
Jesse Cortez's Avatar - Comment posted on 03/26/2009 14:08
Jesse Cortez
Dammit Rabspat took my question! CURSES!

Anyway, whats your favorite puzzle game music? Can you PLEASE sing it on the show!!??
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