Overview
Chains win everything. Puyo Puyo’s colourful blobs fell in pairs, connecting four or more of the same colour to clear them. The innovation: cleared Puyos triggered chain reactions, and longer chains dumped garbage on opponents. Building elaborate chains became an art form. Japan embraced it completely; the West knew it mainly through Dr. Robotnik’s Mean Bean Machine.
Fast facts
- Developer: Compile.
- Year: 1991.
- Origin: Madou Monogatari characters.
- Western versions: Mean Bean Machine, Kirby’s Avalanche.
Core mechanics
| Element | Function |
|---|
| Pairs | Two Puyos fall together |
| Matching | Four+ same colour clears |
| Chains | Sequential reactions |
| Garbage | Sent to opponent |
Chain system
| Chain length | Effect |
|---|
| 1 chain | Minimal garbage |
| 2-3 chains | Moderate pressure |
| 4+ chains | Devastating attack |
| Extended | Match-winning |
Competitive depth
| Skill | Application |
|---|
| Stacking | Chain preparation |
| Timing | Chain triggering |
| Counter | Defensive chains |
| Reading | Opponent prediction |
Series evolution
| Era | Handler |
|---|
| 1991-1998 | Compile |
| Post-1998 | Sega acquisition |
| Modern | Puyo Puyo Tetris |
See also