Skip to main content

Bust-A-Move Universe review

bust a move universe review 3ds 2 650x789 c
Bust-A-Move Universe
“A good and inexpensive addition of 3DS owners looking for a good puzzle game”
Pros
  • Great price
  • Easy to play, but tough to master
  • Can appeal to anyone
Cons
  • Less content than in other additions fo the same game
  • 3D is wasted
  • Could use mroe modes

There are two things working for Bust-A-Move Universe, and two things that work against it. Whether or not they cancel each other out is a choice each purchaser will have to make.

Recommended Videos

The first thing working against Square Enix’s Bust-A-Move Universe (henceforth known as BaMU for ease) is that this game is more of the same. The franchise is one of the longer running puzzle games that isn’t called Tetris, and the 3DS version offers very little to push the genre or move the series forward. People hoping to try something new will be disappointed.

The second thing working against BaMU is that there is even less of it than in previous games. There is a disappointing lack of features, and only two game types are available: puzzle mode and challenge mode. The puzzle mode is the campaign-ish version of the game, with increasing levels of difficulty and even boss fights (although they are more of a bonus stage and less of a fight). The challenge mode is essentially a time-based trial that has you play the game with a timer that encourages the high score rather than just progression. There is no versus mode, and not even an online leader board.

Those are the drawbacks to the new BaMU, but there are also a few things that work for it. The first thing is that while it is an old formula, it is one that works. The game is just fun, and the puzzle style always has been. There is a reason that games like this and Tetris work—they are just fun and easy to play, and while the difficulty can make it challenging, it is a title that can appeal to anyone young or old. There are a few minor inclusions like special bubbles, but while they can help on later levels, they are a minor addition that most won’t even use.

The second things that works, and the thing that makes this title a possible “must-have” for the Nintendo 3DS on its launch day is that the game is cheap. At $29.99, it is the least expensive title of the new system, and that makes it worth the money.

Of all the launch day titles for the 3DS I have played, I find myself coming back to this one the most. It is somewhat shallow, and the lack of features is somewhat sad. The graphics aren’t all that impressive either, and the 3D is wasted on a 2D puzzle game, but it is a formula that people keep coming back to for a good reason—because it is fun to play.

It isn’t the deepest game ever made, and technically it isn’t even the best game on the 3DS, but it is fun to play, and it will be an inexpensive addition that all new 3DS owners looking for a puzzle game should consider.

Score: 7.5 out of 10

(This game was reviewed on the Nintendo 3DS on a copy provided by Square Enix)


Ryan Fleming
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Ryan Fleming is the Gaming and Cinema Editor for Digital Trends. He joined the DT staff in 2009 after spending time covering…
The best RPGs for the Nintendo Switch
Marth glowing blue.

The Nintendo Switch is a smash-hit with a wide library of titles across all genres, so it should come as no surprise that it has amassed a wealth of great role-playing games. Many of them are ports of titles previously released on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, but others are exclusive to Nintendo's hybrid system -- such as Xenoblade Chronicles 3 and Pokémon Scarlet and Violet.

Whether you're looking for a turn-based classic or something new with a massive open world, the portable console has it all. Here are the best role-playing games on Nintendo Switch.

Read more
WarioWare: Move It! brings 200 new microgames to Switch this November
Wario runs out of a jungle in WarioWare: Move It!

Nintendo revealed WarioWare Move It! during the June 2023 Nintendo Direct. The microgame collection will launch on November 3 for Nintendo Switch.

WarioWare: Move It! - Nintendo Direct 6.21.2023

Read more
The best Fire Emblem games, ranked from best to worst
best fire emblem games marth

The Fire Emblem series remained obscure to North American audiences until 2001, when the characters Roy and Marth carved up the competition in Super Smash Bros. Melee. Ever since, the tactical role-playing series has been a worldwide phenomenon, mixing deep storytelling and tough-as-nails combat that tests the limits of every player's patience and strategic skill.

Over the years, Nintendo and developer Intelligent Systems have released games on everything from the Game Boy Advance to mobile phones, and most of them have retained what made the series great. We ranked all tactical role-playing Fire Emblem games released in North America, and a clear winner emerged.

Read more