There is absolutely nothing better than sitting down with a game and being pleasantly surprised. I mean sure, there's sitting down with a game you already know is going to be good, but I get a distinctly different feeling when something really catches me off guard. This was certainly the case with Rampage: Puzzle Attack. The Rampage characters are definitely wreaking new havoc and fun on the GBA with this addictive title. Recently published by Midway, and developed by Ninai Games, this little title for the GBA makes a big splash.

Sure, I know what you're thinking: Another puzzle game, probably just another Tetris, right? Wrong! Rampage: Puzzle Attack isn't another twist and fit puzzler. Instead, your goal is to match colors and eliminate them, clearing the field. There are five different colored pieces: Yellow, Pink, Green, and Blue, and Red. The field is 6 squares across. In the beginning, you will be set up with a number of layers of colored blocks on the bottom - and you will choose from a line of multi colored blocks across the top. You can use your guide (which holds two blocks) to arrange and switch the blocks into the positions you want and then drop them down onto the playfield. Most of the time, you will be given colored blocks, but the ones you want to look for are the ones that have a diamond shape on them. When one of these diamond blocks appear (called Detoblocks), they can be used to eliminate any block, or chain of blocks, that are the same color. In this way, you will clear the field and progress through the game.

That's the gist of it, and from there you can pick a number of different game modes to play. First there's the simple "c=Clear Mode" in which you must clear all the blocks. In "Puzzle Mode," you must clear the field with a given number of blocks. In "Rescue Mode," it's up to you to clear the blocks to release the trapped monsters. This mode is particularly amusing because when you clear certain levels, a newscaster mumbling unintelligible words, reports on monster sightings from across the world. In "Marathon Mode," you test your endurance by seeing how long you can continue before the blocks pile up. Stay sharp though, you need to add your own layers if you want to keep playing. 

No matter what mode you're playing, each level takes place in a different world location. It's level is divided into 5 stages. As you'd expect, you must clear stages and levels to proceed, with the game becoming more difficult as you progress. The only thing that keeps this game from being a totally string-free sit down game is the fact that you must record your progress with passwords if you would like to start where you last left off. Nevertheless, as addicting as this game is, you'll probably choose to keep a notepad rather than let this interfere with your enjoyment of the game. 

Graphically and sound wise, Rampage: Puzzle Attack looks and sounds good enough. The monsters themselves are pretty clear and depending on which one you pick, you'll see them climbing up on your playfield (and sometimes shaking your field, rudely adding blocks to your field) and generally creeping around. The title is easy on the eyes, but the music pretty much remains static throughout play.

Rampage: Puzzle Attack is one of those games you'll sit down and lose track of time playing. It's so deceptively simple in concept, and yet you'll never find yourself feeling like you've seen it all already. This is a worthy title for those of you who like a quick mind bender to get your mind off things - and with a sharp presentation - it's worth adding to your collection!

Gameplay: 9
Deceptively simple, addicting, and quick to learn. What more can you ask for with a puzzle game? The only thing that slows this down is the fact that you need passwords to record your progress rather than being able to save.

Graphics: 8
Rampage: Puzzle Attack represents it's monsters well - and the colors are clear and easy on the eyes.

Sound: 7
Sound is rather plain, but certainly not offensive to the ears. A track or two more would add to the variety.

Difficulty: 8
The difficulty increases in Rampage: Puzzle Attack perfectly! It's easy enough in the beginning for all skill levels and doesn't get too hard too fast.

Concept: 8.5
Rampage: Puzzle Attack takes a familiar topic and does it really well. You don't have to know a think about the Rampage series to enjoy this puzzle madness.

Multiplayer: 8
The title comes with a well thought out multiplayer option.

Overall: 8.5
Rampage: Puzzle Attack is now a part of my staple selection in my Gameboy Advance carrying case. It's a fun way to exercise my mind and get my mind off things. With nice presentation and smooth addictive gameplay, this game could very well be a good fit on just about anyone's list!