Puzz Loop

Infobox VG
title=Puzz Loop


caption= Cover for PlayStation version of "Puzz Loop"
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developer=Mitchell Corporation
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released=^JPN 1998
genre=Puzzle
modes= Up to 2 players alternating
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platforms=Arcade, Game Boy Color, Neo Geo Pocket Color, PlayStation, Nuon
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"Puzz Loop" is an 1998 arcade puzzle game developed by Mitchell Corporation. It was later ported to the Game Boy Color, Neo Geo Pocket Color, PlayStation and Samsung Nuon DVD players under the name "Ballistic". The original "Puzz Loop" game was also known by this title.

The original "Puzz Loop" was followed by a sequel, "Puzz Loop 2", in 2001.

Gameplay

In the game, marbles of different colors roll down a spiral path towards a central goal, which the player must stop by shooting new marbles using a cannon into the oncoming ones. The marbles disappear if player matches three or more marbles of the same color. In addition, collecting bonus items attached to marbles can, for example, temporarily slow down the rate the marbles advance or cause all marbles of the same color to disappear.

The game is over once the marbles are pushed over the goal threshold.

Clones

The success of "Puzz Loop" lead to a number of clones with similar gameplay from other companies including "Zuma", the "Luxor" series, "Tumblebugs", "Potpourrii", "Butterfly Escape" and "Loco". [ [http://www.mobygames.com/game-group/puzz-loop-variants Puzz Loop variants] ] Mitchell alleges that "Zuma", one of the more popular clones, directly infringes on their intellectual property. [ [http://www.insertcredit.com/features/hitofude/ Feature: shokkingu hitofude] ] [ [http://www.gamasutra.com/features/20061024/andersen_03.shtml Gamasutra: Soapbox: Ripping Off Japan - Japanese Video Game Copyright Protection & Preservation (Or Lack Thereof)] ] In reply, "Zuma" developer PopCap Games asserts that their game is "not an exact clone", but an elaboration of Mitchell's original idea. [ [http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/search/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1003221540 Hollywood Reporter (requires subscription)] ]

Mitchell itself released a version of the game for the Nintendo DS called "Magnetica" in 2006. A Wii version of "Magnetica" was released via WiiWare in 2008. [ [http://gonintendo.com/?p=40410 Minna de Puzzleloop/Magnetica WiiWare dated] ]

References

External links

*KLOV game|id=9165