Welcome back to a time when video games were just starting to figure themselves out, and 'Cosmo Gang the Puzzle' was right there, trying to be the cool kid at the arcade. This gem from 1992 makes its way to the Nintendo Switch, all spiffed up as part of Hamster's Arcade Archives. Spoiler alert: it's delightful in a retro kind of way, but you'll likely wonder if you traveled back in time for a reason - or just a quest for nostalgia.
'Cosmo Gang the Puzzle' is not just a puzzle game; it's a falling block extravaganza reminiscent of 'Tetris' and 'Puyo Puyo'. Imagine this: you're dropping blocks and alien critters known as 'Jammers', trying to keep them from reaching the top like a bad horror movie. The goal? Clear out as many as you can by creating complete horizontal rows of six. Jammers are a bit trickier, needing a blue sphere to clear them out, complete with cartoonish animations that might just make you chuckle.
Graphically, it has that charming 16-bit aesthetic that makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside. It's like digging through your attic and finding your childhood stuffed animals - full of nostalgia but probably best left behind. The vibrant colors pop like a box of crayons after a sleepover, but don't expect modern graphics. This retro release embraces its past, quirky animations and all, giving you a glimpse of gaming history - complete with pixel art beauty that you might not want to scrutinize too closely.
In conclusion, 'Arcade Archives: Cosmo Gang the Puzzle' is a solid leap back into the puzzle genre's roots. It may not be the most innovative game out there, but if you're a fan of old-school arcade action and enjoy puzzling your way through layers of nostalgia, it should fit right into your Switch library. Grab a friend, because its multiplayer mode is where the real fun happens; after all, nothing screams camaraderie like causing your buddy's game to crash and burn when you clear out those Jammers. So, whether you remember the 90s or just want to experience a piece of gaming history, give this one a whirl. It's all about balancing the alien chaos with a hint of strategic thinking. And who knows? You might just find yourself giggling at those Jammers while you plot your next combo!