Not for the easily frustrated...

User Rating: 7.5 | Dr. Robotnik's Mean Bean Machine GEN
Whoa does this game ramp up the challenge.

Sonic and puzzle games probably don't mix well. But Robotnik and puzzle games work just fine. The blue blazer isn't even mentioned in the game, I don't believe. But you won't notice. You'll be too busy button-mashing to care.

It plays like a combination of Go-Fish and Tetris; beans fall from the top and fill your playfield. You have to connect ones with the same color to break them and make more space. Beans hit the top and it's game over.

The first few bosses (the game is just a series of AI opponents) offer a nice learning curve, developing strategies and speed. But after that, all bets are off. You'll be ready to snap your controller in half most of the time. But you won't. Because you want to get revenge. In a sick way, this entire game is motivated by frustration and revenge. Some kids game, eh?

Graphically, it's nice. Not beautiful. Not garbage. But nice. After all, you're watching colored beans fall down. The only impressive sprites are the either devious or terrified expressions of your opponent (depends on if you're losing or winning).

The music is catchy, but it's not quite Sonic-style. Since this game is all about evil geniuses and villains, the music tends to be more dastardly-sounding. And as the game gets harder, the music gets faster and rougher. It really heightens the tension as you go.

The multiplayer adds needed replay value. You and a friend can compete in the bean-stacking matches. And it gets even more difficult with a worthy opponent sitting next to you. Not to mention playing dirty...

Finally, it plays easily and it grows on you. But anyone annoyed by defeat will want to stay far away.

Last Words: A solid, quality puzzler. If you can find it cheap, pick it up, but only if you have any degree of patience.