Hop and Pop (XBLIG): "Classic Puzzle Gaming With a Twist"

I'm a gamer who enjoys all kinds of games. I definitely have my favorite genres, but I'm always open to new gaming experiences. This is what sets me apart from a lot of gamers, and reviewers out there. The main reason I brought this up as my introductory paragraph is that 'Geex Games' wasn't sure if I'd be interested in reviewing their action/puzzle game 'Hop and Pop', because of the info within my bio description. They didn't hesitate in giving me the review code, but I could tell they were a little worried if I would be able to give the game a fair review. To clear things up I always give every game I review a fair chance no matter what genre it may be. I always go into a game with an unbiased opinion, and only develop my opinion/s after playing it. I also try not to tear a game apart in a rude manner unless I pay a significant amount of money for it only to realize that it was a waste. These are good things to keep in mind when I ask you (the developer) for a review code, or when you request that I do a review for you.

 'Hop and Pop' is what I'd like to call an action, and puzzle game hybrid. It offers a single, and multiplayer experience where the goal is to pop as many balloons (Cute Mode), or as many zombie heads (Trash Mode) as possible while keeping the falling items from reaching the top of the screen. In this sense it's sort of like 'Tetris', and 'Bust-A-Move' combined. If by some reason you are unfamiliar with the the previously mentioned games they are simply puzzle block, and puzzle shooter games where the goals involve keeping the blocks from stacking to the top (Tetris), and matching colored bubbles (Bust-A-Move). That is why I used them as a reference. Getting back to my description though ... 'Hop and Pop' offers the gamer a new spin on the puzzle genre with customizable options such as name changes, and customizable shouts (in-game dialogue). Aside from being a straightforward puzzle game, 'Hop and Pop' also has a competitive angle to it.

I mentioned previously that 'Hop and Pop' offered a multiplayer mode. The fact is it actually offers two different multiplayer modes. The first mode involves a two player co-op (local) experience where the goal is to work as a team controlling the Hop, and Pop characters as you use them to push the balloons or zombie heads into place (horizontally). Matching four, or more of the same colored items (balloons, zombie heads) is required to score points as well as keep the items from piling to the top. I do need to clarify that when matching up the items in 'Hop and Pop' it isn't necessary to line them up in a straight row. They merely need to be touching to be counted as a match. You do need to keep in mind that you will encounter rock creatures that will prevent you from pushing lines of balloons, and zombie heads into place. This can be remedied with the use of power-ups (bullet, bomb, fireball, airstrike ...) that can be used to destroy the blockades.  Aside from the clearing of blockades, you can also clear the balloons/zombie heads with the various power-ups that fall in the form of balloon packages. In the competitive multiplayer (Battle) power-ups can also be used against the other player.

The second multiplayer mode, 'Battle' is also a local mode. Two players can join together in a fighting frenzy that involves all of the same gameplay mechanics as single, and two player co-op. The only difference is that you are working against each other trying to gain the highest score before the set scoring conditions are met (10, 100, 1000, game over). The unique thing about this particular mode is that you can actually use the gained power-ups against the opposing player. This will result in dizzy spells that render your opponent immobile for a short while allowing you to rack up more points in the process.

I briefly mentioned that there were a couple of customization options available within 'Hop and Pop' that really stood out from the rest (music, volume, rumble ...). These options include the ability to change the names of the Hop, and Pop characters as well as customize their in-game shouts. I ended up naming my two characters after myself (Brad), and my brother (Joe) since we've always been into gaming. It's a neat option that definitely makes the game more personal. Aside from the name change option players can also alter the shouts that the characters display over there heads when the (Y) button is pressed during the game. I realize I might be giving some bad advice with what I'm about to say, but there is no 'bad language' block in this customization option. I was able to make my character shout some four, and five letter words (if you know what I mean?). Of course partaking of this naughtiness is up to the person playing the game. I did encounter one flaw with the shout customization option that needs to be addressed. It didn't offer a space button for adding two word shouts. I'm not sure if this was overlooked, or what? If it could be fixed that would definitely be a great improvement.

There are two game types that I definitely need to mention before closing my review. As stated in the second paragraph there is a 'Cute', and 'Trash' setting. The differences between these two game types is simply that one offers more cute backgrounds, and balloons as the popping item (Cute). The other option, 'Trash' offers the player a more sinister game type that uses blood effects, zombie heads, and more Halloween oriented backgrounds. Both available game types are very fun to play, but If I had a preference it would be for 'Trash'. I liked the blood effects, and squishy sounds the zombie heads made when they were matched up. Of course I am more partial to the blood, guts, and gore aspect of video games though. If you want something more innocent then 'Cute' would be the way to go.

In closing I found 'Hop and Pop' to be the best puzzle game I have played this year. It offered some solid gameplay that could be experienced alone or with a friend. The customizable features were truly icing on the cake. I forgot to mention that the soundtrack was also really neat. It had a sort of relaxing sound quality to it, and the sound effects were a nice addition as well. I really liked the special effects that 'Geex Games' incorporated in 'Hop and Pop'. You'll see some semi-realistic explosions, some sparkles, and even some blood splatters which will definitely catch the gamers' attention. It's details like these that really make a good game shine. I found no fault with 'Hop and Pop' as I did my playthrough. If I were to complain about anything at all it would be about the lack of an online multiplayer, and the lack of an online leaderboard. Even without these two things the game is still worth getting!