Bittos+
bittos+ is one of the latest additions to Nintendo’s WiiWare service, and in a genre where games like Puzzle Quest are pushing the boundaries of what puzzle games can be, bittos+ takes the exact opposite approach, and creates a back-to-basics puzzle experience that will appeal to fans of original puzzlers like Tetris and Dr. Mario.
Playing bittos+ is very straightforward. On the game’s 10×10 grid, you place a series of blocks made of bits that will be familiar to anyone who has played Tetris. Create 2×2, 2×3 or 3×3 boxes out of these blocks of bits, called bittos, to begin a reaction that results in the bittos’ explosion. It sounds a little awkward in words, but its quite simple in execution.
If one of your bittos leaves a lone bit behind, it solidifies into a red bit, which can only be removed from the gameboard by having a bittos explode adjacent to it. In later levels, the board begins littered with red bits, upping the challenge by leaving less room to begin creating your bittos.
Since high scores are everything in Bittos, you want to increase your score multiplier by chaining together as many bittos as you can by creating new boxes next to bittos that are counting down to explosion. With a blend of skill and luck, you may even be able to string together a chain of more than 100 bittos explosions. If creating high scoring chains aren’t your style, you can take a slower, more relaxed pace in the game and still have fun.
The presentation in bittos+ is as clean and straightforward as the gameplay, with colourful graphics and backgrounds, and nice atmospheric music.
One definite plus in bittos+ is the ability to choose from one of four control schemes. Use the Wiimote’s motion controls, control with the nunchuk, hold the Wiimote sideways like a traditional controller, or use the classic controller, whichever feels most comfortable. Using the Wiimote was certainly doable, but it lacked the finer control needed to place pieces under pressure, while the more traditional methods seemed a better fit.
While the later levels in bittos+ do up the challenge significantly, its ultimately rather limited in its puzzling. It’s really just the same puzzling mechanic over and over and over, though there are a bevy of awards to earn and extra game modes to unlock, so there is long term value if you find the gameplay appealing.
bittos+ may not be revolutionary or game-changing, but it sets out to be an old-school block puzzle game, and it does that very well. It’s not necessarily a game you’ll play for hours on end, but as a change of pace from other more action-oriented games, it definitely fills a need. If you’re in the market for a block placing puzzle game, especially on WiiWare, bittos+ is definitely worth checking out.
The Final Score
| The Good | The Bad |
|---|---|
| Simple but pleasant gameplay. | Like a lot of puzzle games, it's rather one note. |
| Gamer Rating | |
| Pops Rating | |
| bittos+ simple gameplay is certainly accessible to a wide range of players, including younger gamers. |
Bittos+ for the Wii is published by Machine Studios, and rated E. A review copy was provided to GamerPops.
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