Lumines delivers an impressive, trance-like, puzzle experience every PSP owner should partake have.
The high-definition visuals of blocks falling into grooves to form larger blocks was both melodic and sublime in its execution. The ever-changing themes in Challenge mode ran an impressive gamut from Discotheque to Spaghetti Western. Each theme drew from clear global themes, couched within popular culture. The act of change itself created a shift both in setting as well as paradigm which forces the player to renew one's attention, and rethink strategy in pursuit of the ever-elusive high score.
Versus mode, though not supported online, allows two players to share in a transcendental experience of colors, shapes, sounds, and unspoken communication which can be had in no other way. Unlike other game experiences, Lumines tracks each interaction, and documents the results of its shared bliss.
The richness of continued participation lifts the soul to new interactive heights, leaving most cares behind. It is possible to study and meditate upon this experience for years. segments of play may be injected into once schedule in brief 60-second and 180-second durations, or practiced for creating precision pictures from predictably placed blocks.
For a fair-market price one may purchase this experience--for an experience it is--for all of the senses. Truly, one not meant for man to live without during an all-too-brief mortal coil.