Puyo Pop Fever

Puyo POP is back with new characters and a new “Fever Mode”!

EU release: 27th February 2004
JP release: 24th March 2004
NA release: 20th July 2004
Developer: Sonic Team
Publisher: Sega
NGC Magazine: 80%
Mods Used: None

Sega’s Puyo Puyo series makes its way to GameCube, and this one finally gets a western release with the westernised name of “Puyo Pop”, which lasted for a handful of games before Sega once again ditched western releases of the franchise for a while until Puyo Puyo Tetris. This makes the beans 3D which, combined with the very large eyes, makes the different colours more distinct, helping out colourblind players without the need for changing colours (although that option would still have been nice).

This version of Puyo Puyo features “non-standard” pieces with more than two beans. These come in the form of larger beans, but transform into individual ones once they land. Some are even complete ready-to-score beans which skilled people can use to create large combos. It definitely adds some variety to the mix, although some of this seems to be triggered by your opponent doing well.

Once your opponent scores so many sets, it will also trigger “fever mode” which is like a quick-fire puzzle round. You’ll be whisked to a screen with pre-set beans and have two chances to score as many combos as possible. I really couldn’t do well at the game, especially as you really have no choice but to do chains, as you’re actively punished for non-chain sets.

Fun

It’s also Sega’s last ever Dreamcast game (yes, they still made them until now in Japan) but the GameCube version is the best one. Loads of puzzling fun.
NGC Magazine #91

Remake or remaster?

A new Puyo Puyo with all the rules from previous games would be great.

Official Ways to get the game

There is no official way to get Puyo Pop Fever.