Puzzle games are better understood through video, rather than words and images. This upcoming anime-infused puzzler reminds us a little of Gunpey. It's different, of course. Tiles fall from the top, and the player will rotate the blocks to make complete designs, such as triangles, squares, unicorns. When you create a shape, the blocks disappear and more will take its place.

It'll take some hands-on time to truly understand the subtleties of the game. However, we're intrigued by this upcoming release. Check out some multiplayer footage after the cut.

We've been impatiently awaiting Hudson's announcement when it would release Bomberman Land stateside, and today, our long wait is over. Bomberman Land, which was released earlier this year in Japan, will hit the PSP in January 2008.

Bomberman Land will feature a traditional single-player story mode, more than 50 mini-games and will support Game Sharing. "Gamers are going to be blown away by the sheer amount of content they get in the Bomberman Land series," said John Greiner President and CEO of Hudson Entertainment.

In the single-player mode, you will have the unenviable and no doubt maddening task of restoring "peace and tranquility to the beleaguered Bomberman world" by solving quests and puzzles. And to win over the series faithful, the "classic multiplayer" Battle Pack Mode makes a return.

Who would've thought blending RPG elements into a puzzle game would become so successful? Puzzle Quest's incredible fan following has earned its spiritual successor, Galactrix, a great deal of attention. In an interview with IGN, Lead Designer Steve Fawkner reveals that the team is trying their best to make this game feel unique: "the last thing we want to hear from gamers is "oh that's just a Puzzle Quest clone" (which we admit to doing).

When questioned on its gameplay mechanics, Fawkner stated the game was not based on Bejeweled, but another popular puzzle game: "I would say that it would better be described as Collapse in space." A crucial difference between the two titles is that Galactrix features real-time puzzle battling.

As revealed in the interview, there are plans to introduce downloadable content and 6 player multiplayer. It will be interesting to see how this game develops over time.

Longtime PSP Fanboy readers know that we love Lumines II. For the unacquainted, this puzzler from game guru Mizuguchi combines music and highly addictive gameplay for a truly mesmerizing experience. Try this new demo, fresh from the game's Japanese website.

1. Download the demo EBOOT file.
2. Connect your PSP to your computer using a USB cable.
3. Go to the PSP/GAME folder.
4. Create ULJM05232 folder.
5. Copy EBOOT file into the ULJM05232 directory.

Check out our new demos site:
demos.pspfanboy.com

Have you heard of 7 Wonders? No? Neither did we. Mumbo Jumbo, publisher of fine games such as Platypus, is secretly releasing the game this week. Strange, considering we haven't seen or heard a single tidbit about it. Should we worry? Probably. There's something fishy when a game gets as little attention as this one.

There is a playable demo for PC users to get a taste of this Bejeweled clone. However, with most everyone bonkers over Puzzle Quest, will 7 Wonders stand out? Most likely not.

[Via IGN]

PSP Fanboy readers didn't take too kindly to Puzzle Scape. James "threw up a little" when he saw what appeared to be a low-budget version of Lumines. Well, the game's first trailer is now available, and it showcases a slightly different style of gameplay than we expected. What do you think about this techno-infused puzzle game? Does it still make you want to vomit?

Many have been eager to compare the upcoming Crush to Wii's Super Paper Mario. While it's true that both feature dimension-shifting gameplay, the two are taking very different approaches to the concept. This PSP-exclusive puzzler has players going through a beautiful, dream-like world, looking for a way out. This new video from GameVideos.com showcases more gameplay--and we're psyched.

Crush will land on PSP this June.

Think sudoku is for chumps? Well, Zendoku is trying to change all of that. The game takes the classic numbers-on-a-grid gameplay of sudoku and spices it up with ninjas (and other generic, stereotypical characters)! Zendoku is trying to do to sudoku what Puzzle Quest did to Bejeweled. Is this action-oriented approach to sudoku necessary? Or does it add too many distracting elements in what should be a much simpler game?

D3 wants Cube to be the next puzzle sensation on PSP. Our initial impressions of the budget title are quite favorable, and one tool we're looking forward to using is the game's extensive level creator. The editor comes unlocked from the very beginning of the game, so fiendish designers can cook some devious designs from the get-go.

Unfortunately, my puny brain can't seem to understand the seeming complexity of the feature. A PDF file on Cube's official website attempts to detail the process, but my limited brain capacity is proving to be quite meddlesome. Hopefully, I'll be able to construct a few of my own puzzle creations. Until then, feel free to read GameZone's interview with Maru Nihoniho, Game Designer of Cube to get more details on this upcoming game.

Puzzle Quest is trying to do something different by combining the puzzle and RPG genres. The dangers of trying something new is that it has a high chance of failure. Luckily for those interested in Puzzle Quest, there is a PC demo online now so you can try before you buy. Much like that drug dealer that gives you your first taste free, Infinite Interactive wants you to get hooked on the demo so you rush out to purchase Puzzle Quest. Is this unique game worth your time? After trying the demo, I think this game will be a cult hit for sure. Giving purpose and story to a puzzle game definitely adds to the experience and the art is well done. But luckily for you, the demo will allow you to make up your own mind. What do you think of Puzzle Quest?

[Via Joystiq]

[Update 2: Provided direct link to demo.]
[Update 1: Corrected formatting.]

The PSP has plenty of owners, but some claim it doesn't have many great games. With that in mind, every day this week we'll feature a new genre and list the top 5 games (according to metareviews), so no matter what you're into, you'll have some idea of what games you should own. Today the focus is on puzzle games, which the PSP first became known for. But there's more good puzzle games than just Lumines.

Top 5 Puzzle games on PSP

1. Lumines
2. LocoRoco
3. Lumines 2
4. Mercury Meltdown
5. Exit

What makes the puzzle games on the PSP so unique is how they are audio/video showcases, which seems odd when you consider how puzzle games used to be. Of course, these 5 games are enjoyable to play as well, which is what really counts. Though I am suprised there weren't even more Q? Entertainment titles in the top 5. But what do you think about these 5 games? What puzzle games aren't on this list that you think every PSP owner should have?

If you missed it, you can check out our previous top 5 game lists:

Action

Racing

Sports

Fighting

Strategy

[Data Via Metacritic]

Do puzzle games need good stories? No, not really. But that hasn't stopped Kuju and Sega from trying to think up a meticulous backstory behind its upcoming mind-bending Crush. The 2D/3D dimension-switching gameplay will undoubtedly provide some surreal moments, and the story certainly capitalizes on such a unique concept. Surely, Crush would make a better movie than Lumines.

Continue after the break to see the original press release.

I know most people only read reviews to find out if they should buy, try or avoid a particular game. With that in mind, here's that info on Capcom Puzzle World for those who don't want to read a full review.

Buy: If you are a fan of the Buster Bros. series and want a collection of them with extra games included.

Try: If you like Super Puzzle Fighter II Turbo, but have never tried Buster Bros. or have never tried either.

Avoid: If you dislike Buster Bros. or are not a fan of puzzle games.

Infinite Interactive is working on Galactrix a sci-fi set game that blends RPG and strategy and is described as a match-3 puzzle game, played against an opponent. Each puzzle is played against an enemy whether it be AI-controlled or human. There are claims of potentially hundreds of hours of play, though it is unsure how many of those hours are multiplayer. Speaking of multiplayer, it will allow 2-4 possible players with support for downloadable content. Galactrix also features the ability for you to create a persistent pilot that can gain skills and ships as you complete more battles. You can also gain a crew and each battle is only supposed to require 5-10 minutes, which would be ideal for a portable.

Currently Galactrix is being developed on the PC, but a PSP port is planned.

[Via DCEmu]

SEGA wants PSP players to prepare for a head trip. IGN is reporting that this summer SEGA will release a psychological puzzle game called Crush. Created by Kuju Brighton, Crush is about a man named Dan who is haunted by his past and suffers from chronic insomnia. To try and cure this problem, Dan turns to hypnosis. If that doesn't sound unique, just wait until you hear about the gameplay.

Crush takes place in a complex 3D world where players have to "crush" environments, which makes them then become 2D space. At this point the layout is like that of a 2D platformer. Because of the altering of the world, you're able to solve puzzles, access new areas and gain reach to secret items.

Sounds ridiculously creative. I can't wait to get my hands on it! See trailer after the cut.

[Update 1: Fixed formatting issues.]