Dr. Robotnik's Mean Bean Machine is one of the greatest Genesis games of all time. Also one of the best puzzlers of all.
Dr. Robotnik's Mean Bean Machine
First thing you will notice is that it is very familiar to Puyo pop.
Yes that is true.
Which is why:
Dr. Robotnik's Mean Bean Machine is a Puyo Puyo game released for the Sega Mega Drive, Game Gear, and the Sega Master System.
But
We are here for a review of the Sega Genesis Version.
Gameplay/Story :
The game is played with two opponents, you and the computer ( or a second player) each controlling one of two grids. Beans fall from the top in groups of two, coming in various colors and one pair falling each "turn". The player must attempt to arrange the beans into groups of at least four beans all of the same color.
Players must also contend with clear beans which are deposited in the player's grid by their opponent removing larger chains of beans.
The aim of the game is to keep the central two columns of the grid from filling up (failure to do so causes the player to lose) and to prevent the opposition from doing likewise. As the game is played, Robotnik's henchmen become increasingly skilled and beans begin to fall faster, making it more difficult to arrange them into desirable configurations. Upon the completion of a level, the game gives the player a password enabling them to start from that point in the game next time they play.
The rounds in order:
* Stage 1: Arms
* Stage 2: Frankly
* Stage 3: Humpty
* Stage 4: Coconuts
* Stage 5: Davy Sprocket
* Stage 6: Skweel
* Stage 7: Dynamight
* Stage 8: Grounder
* Stage 9: Spike
* Stage 10: Sir F-Fuzzy Logik
* Stage 11: Dragon Breath
* Stage 12: Scratch
* Stage 13: Dr. Robotnik
Rating on Gameplay/Story:
9.5/10
My only complaint is that before you face an opponent. The storyline is not long enough to get you too interested.
Sound:
The music used are an assortment of remixes from the original Puyo Puyo game as well as having its own soundtrack.
Rating 9/10
Only not having all its originality kept it from a higher score.
Graphics:
For its time the graphics are really up to par. (for a puzzler how much better can you get?)
10/10
Value:
It is a highly addictive game and will have you coming back long after you beat it.