Puyo Puyo Tetris 2S Review: Fun Puzzles, Flawed Port
▼ Summary
– Puyo Puyo Tetris 2S is a disappointing port with minimal new content, making its high price hard to justify for existing owners.
– The only significant addition is a co-op Puyo Tetris Double Mode, which is fun but unnecessary given the game’s already extensive content.
– New hardware features like mouse controls and camera support are poorly implemented and add little value to the gameplay experience.
– Online matchmaking is split between the original and new version, leaving Puyo Puyo Tetris 2S with a much smaller player base and longer wait times.
– While the game remains a great puzzle title for newcomers, it offers little incentive for those who already own the original version.
Puyo Puyo Tetris 2S delivers solid puzzle gameplay but struggles to justify its existence as a standalone release. While the core experience remains as engaging as ever, this updated version offers minimal new content and fails to address key issues from its predecessor. The lack of meaningful upgrades makes it difficult to recommend for existing fans, though newcomers may find value in its extensive content library.
The differences between this and the original Puyo Puyo Tetris 2 are so subtle that even longtime players might miss them. A single new co-op Puyo Tetris Double Mode allows for 2v2 battles, which adds some novelty but hardly revolutionizes the formula. Support for the Nintendo Switch 2 Camera and mouse controls feels more like an afterthought than a meaningful enhancement. The cursor-based input, in particular, slows down gameplay significantly, putting players at a disadvantage in fast-paced matches.
Where the game truly shines is in its sheer variety of modes. Versus, Big Bang, Party, Skill Battle, Fusion, and Swap offer endless ways to enjoy both Puyo Puyo and Tetris mechanics. The single-player campaign remains a highlight, packed with charming character interactions and fully voiced dialogue. With so much content already available, the minor additions in this version feel underwhelming rather than essential.
One of the biggest drawbacks is the fractured online community. Unlike the original, which still boasts an active player base, Puyo Puyo Tetris 2S struggles to fill lobbies, leading to frustrating wait times. This decision to separate matchmaking pools makes little sense, especially when the visual and performance upgrades are barely noticeable. Loading times remain similar, and the sharper resolution only becomes apparent in direct comparisons.
For those who’ve never played the original, this is still a fantastic puzzle game with hundreds of hours of replay value. However, existing owners should think twice before upgrading, unless they’re willing to pay full price for what amounts to a handful of minor tweaks. A cheaper upgrade path would have made this a far more appealing proposition.
Who Should Play Puyo Puyo Tetris 2S?
Skip it if:
- You already own the original and don’t care about the minor additions.
- Online play is your main focus—matchmaking is sparse and slow.
- You expected significant improvements to controls or visuals.
Accessibility options are limited, with basic settings for subtitles and controller vibration but no dedicated features for players with disabilities. The lack of innovation in this area is disappointing, especially when other modern titles offer far more customization.
After spending hours comparing both versions, it’s clear that Puyo Puyo Tetris 2S is a competent but unnecessary update. While the core gameplay remains as addictive as ever, the lack of meaningful enhancements makes it hard to justify the price tag. Unless you’re a die-hard fan or a complete newcomer, waiting for a sale might be the smarter move.
(Source: TechRadar)
