Nice puzzle game with style. If it wasn't so short, Chu Chu Rocket could've been a great puzzle game for the Dreamcast.
User Rating: 7.7 | ChuChu Rocket! (w/Controller) DC
Gameplay: In 1999, Sonic Team decided to take a break from developing Sonic games, and come up with an exclusive online puzzle game for the Dreamcast to appeal a new audience for both the Dreamcast and Sonic Team games. You play through the game on these game boards that sometimes has obstacles. You have little space mice that are running away from space cats. You set arrows to guide a mouse or a group of mice to the rocket so they can escape. You are sometimes limited to only a couple arrows, so things can get challenging. You have to make sure the space cats don't go after the space mice before the mice get to the rocket. After all the mice are in the rocket, you proceed to the next stage. There are over 50 stages to unlock as you progress, and they get more challenging as you go on. Other then the main mode, there are a few minor extras. For example, there a competition mode where you face off against computer players, or in 4 player mode, or even online play, in an arena where you get the most mice in your rocket. This requires fast reflexes, so it can be fun. You can even create your own puzzle board so you can send it to people online and see if you can stump them. There are other extras in Chu Chu Rocket, but some require online access on your Dreamcast to get them. So, overall, Chu Chu Rocket has some very nice puzzle techniques and good challenge. Graphics: Not much to say about the graphics, because everything is at an overhead view. The boards are pretty nice, and the space mice and space cats are good on detail. The game isn't really high on color, and the game certainly doesn't take advantage of the Dreamcast, but it still doesn't look terrible and it features some decent details. Sound: The music is a spacey kind of techno, and it fits in perfectly. The music is really catchy and really sound good while playing the game. The sound effects are spacey and do fit as well. The soundwork isn't big in the game, unfortunately, because this game has some really good sound. Conclusion: The game may not be big, but certainly offers some short-time fun. The game is more enjoyable if its online. However, in 2003, Sega announced they would disconnect all the access to online play on its Dreamcast games. There is a few illegal ways to go online, but it doesn't always work. Regardless, though, going online will be tough. Therefore, Chu Chu Rocket is slightly less enjoyable then when it first came out. Offline, the game is still pretty enjoyable, although its short. This game is worth owning to any puzzle fan.
