The Poppit!
Show is a new edition of the popular Poppit! game available on Pogo.com, the
online gaming site owned by Electronic Arts. It’s similar in concept and
scope, with players popping balloons in rows to unlock prizes, but is much
more so.
Easy in
concept, but challenging in execution, The Poppit! Show requires players to
pop rows of matching balloons, which opens up empty spaces for the remaining
balloons, which will move into the empty spaces. The goal is to move the
balloons up high enough so that the “prizes” have all the balloons moved off
their spaces, which will release the prizes. These prizes will turn into
tokens, which accumulate the more a player plays the game. The tokens can be
redeemed online for chances to win jackpot drawings.
There are
three difficulty levels, but even the easy level requires some planning ahead,
as players don’t want to be stuck without any matching balloons halfway
through the game. If a player progresses successfully through a certain amount
of levels, new games are opened up. Each of these games features a special
powerup, such as a stickpin, disco ball, ray gun, a tiki head and others. The
tiki head can drag down columns, the disco ball can flip a 4×4 grid of
balloons, and the stickpin can pop an individual balloon.
Games such
as these are always fun and always addictive, but The Poppit! Show features
even more fun with the ranking options online, and the chance to win cool
outfits to dress up the gamer’s character. Online play allows players to chat
during play, compare ranks and check out the drawings.
The game is
appealing to the eyes, and features satisfying popping noises during play. The
music is also pleasant and fitting, pretty cheery! I especially enjoyed the
disco themes.
The Poppit!
Show is a fun game to play, and while it’s not very different from most other
games of this type, it is well-designed and amusing to play. The strategy
involved is challenging, and players will have to think hard before popping
those balloons too quickly. My only caveat is the price, which at $20 seems a
little steep for this type of game. However, for those of us who won’t quibble
at that price, the game is well-worth playing and is fun for the whole family.
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Gameplay: 7.5
Popping balloons
is a lot of fun with The Poppit! Show! A good mix of strategy and luck, along
with features such as an avatar that can be dressed and online play with
ranks, make this game a sure bet with the pick-up-and-play crowd.
Graphics: 7.5
The game is
appealing, and while not graphically stunning, it is bright and colorful.
Sound: 7.5
The sound effects
and music are well-done and pleasing.
Difficulty: Medium
Fairly easy to
play, yet it offers a challenge.
Concept: 7
There’s nothing
really new, but it is well-presented.
Overall: 7.5
A simple game,
but one that is strategic and fun. For those who enjoy quick pick-up arcade
games, this one fits the bill nicely.
