The original Chime was a huge success for developer Zoe Mode, successfully blending together a music and puzzle game not unlike Q? Entertainment’s Lumines series. Chime Super Deluxe is an updated version of the original that adds six new songs and a multiplayer component, making it the best version of Chime to date.
The basic concept of Chime is rather simple: to cover a large grid with 3-by-3 (or larger) quads created from different irregularly shaped blocks. A line passes over the grid which converts the created quads into coverage. As you add more blocks and create more quads, more music begins to play, allowing you to create your own “remix” of the particular song you choose.
It is somewhat similar to Lumines, yes, but what sets Chime apart from most puzzle games is how stress-free it is. You never really feel pressured to accomplish any major goal and you never have to worry about failing. Combine this with a remarkable selection of songs and you have a fairly varied and stress-free experience. It would have been nice to have more than ten songs available, but the selection included supply plenty of variety and offer the perfect balance of both addictive beats and ambience.
There is a time play mode which has you trying to fill in as much of the grid under a certain time limit, but even that feels relaxing compared to a lot of high-pressure puzzle games. The second main mode is free play, which allows you to take your time to fill the grid before it is replaced by a new one. This mode is all about trying to accumulate as high a score as possible.
The addition of multiplayer is a welcome one. It provides you with two new modes: co-op, which has you working with up to three other players to fill in the grid, and versus, which has you competing to gain the most coverage of the grid. It’s pretty basic stuff, and it’s local only, but it adds a lot of replayability to an already addictive game.
Chime Super Deluxe is the best and most up-to-date version of Chime available. It proves, above anything else, that this fairly basic formula is still just as fun as it was one year ago. Even if you already own another version of Chime, you’ll be missing out if you skip this.
Pros: Excellent music, addictive gameplay, multiplayer is a great addition
Cons: Would have liked to see a few more songs
