Rival to Bomberman

Poy Poy is a colorful-3D multiplayer game from Konami. Players must smash the remanding 3 opponents in the arena using rocks, stones, logs, or missiles. The game plays out to be one of Sony Playstation's best multiplayer title.

The graphics suit the gameplay perfectly. Simplistic polygon character models, bright arenas, with no slow-down in gameplay. At the time, (US Release 1997) the game was credited with above average graphics for its genre, puzzle/multiplayer.

Each character has a different body color, distinguishing them from each other; along with different facial appearances. The arenas are large, and greatly differ from each stage. The first stage, resembles Bomberman's green canvas. Where other stages have more flavor to them. For example grand-canyon stage offers large rocks with whirlwinds (view gameplay).

Music for the game was also good. Catchy melodies that can soon be forgotten. Where the audio of the sound effects were perfect. Each time a player jumps, throws an item, or gets smacked, everything sounds great.

This is where the game truly shines. When you start the game, you have a choice of championship mode, versus mode, option mode, memory card mode. In championship mode, you choose a character, each with there unique stat's. (speed, power, special attack, etc.) Once you pick a character, you choose your special attack. Roughly around 20 special attacks ranging from whirlwinds, homing bombs, poison bombs, bouncing objects, and more. They all start on level 1 - when you play more with the character and his/her special attack, they level up and increase either range or power of the attack.

When the first stage begins 3 CPU players are placed and objects are warped down. You are able to crouch, crawl, jump, dodge, and pick up. Some objects that are small are easy to pick up and throw towards your opponent, where as logs (or large items) take more strength to pick up. You are able to use your special attack once you throw an amount of items.

Each stage has there unique twist. The ice stage has players slipping to throw items, the city stage has a giant egg; once it hatches it turns into a large dinosaur which follows you and tries to eat your player!

The control scheme takes time to get used to. Where one move is performed, closely similar to the next attack. For example; holding down O, is crouch - but once you move your d-pad in any direction, it turns into the crawl move. Players can also throw other opponents and toss them as well.

If your looking for a fun 4-Player party game for your Playstation this game will deliver.


9/10