Delbo

Genre: Unlimited Pattern Puzzle

Players: 1

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Review:

Delbo is a family-friendly Unlimited Pattern Puzzle released on the Nintendo DSi via the DSiWare service in 2011 and also released on the Nintendo 3DS eShop. This game, played in “book mode” style with the Nintendo DSi/Nintendo 3DS held sideways, has players shooting colored orbs at an approaching pile of orbs, trying to match colors to eliminate them before they reach the bottom of the screen.

The presentation here is actually quite good, with colorful 2D visuals depicting a screen that seems as if it was built in the midst of classical marble architecture, backed by harpsichord music. I’m put in mind of the presentation of the Sega Genesis version of Columns, and this is distinct enough to make for a somewhat memorable presentation.

The gameplay here is pretty good too, and different enough from other games of this sort to distinguish itself. Unlike games such as Puzzle Bobble, aiming isn’t an issue here (you move left and right and aim vertically), and your unmatched orbs don’t add to the pile, instead simply disintegrating ineffectually. What’s more, you can help to build up your matches by drawing a single line closer to you in order to bring more colors in line with each other. This latter part is a fun twist that adds some great strategy and a risk/reward element to the game.

No, this game’s biggest problem isn’t its presentation or gameplay, it’s the features. Delbo lacks any sort of multiplayer mode, puzzle mode, or anything other than its standard endless mode. It’s a shame, because the core gameplay here is good enough that this could have been something much better if it was built upon properly.

Still, for a mere $2, Delbo is an excellent Puzzle game that does enough things right to more than justify a purchase, even if it is feature-poor. At this price, Puzzle game fans will definitely want to pick this game up before the Nintendo 3DS eShop closes in March 2023 (Later this month!).

tl;dr – Delbo is a family-friendly Unlimited Pattern Puzzle where players shoot colored orbs at a growing pile, trying to match colors to eliminate them before they reach the bottom of the screen. While this game is sadly pretty feature-poor, lacking even a multiplayer mode, the gameplay and presentation are good enough that this game is well worth the $2 price tag, and Puzzle Game fans should absolutely grab it before the Nintendo 3DS eShop closes in March 2023 (Later this month!).

Grade: B

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