Peggle Nights

If you need an explanation for Peggle’s core gameplay, study the image. There are some modifiers to the core game. For example you get a choice between characters that can obtain special powers by hitting specific pegs. Some pegs give you bonus points, some you have to hit to clear the stage.

An experience like this is what I imagine casual gamers believe the entire medium should be. There’s no narrative, there’s no complex emotional impact, and there’s really no thought required. As such it’s difficult for me to take a critical approach to reviewing this game.

If you drop the $10 on this title you’ll get a very fun, quick experience. I found this game optimal for 30 minute sessions, which is enough to clear a few levels in the ‘story’ mode, or maybe a challenge. Of course the site’s timetable doesn’t allow for that, in order to clear this game in a week I had several three hour Pegglethons.

These endurance challenges were mostly fun, but I found myself swearing at the ball for bouncing the wrong way, or at the bonus points peg for spawning in the wrong location.

Skip it: If you want to walk away from your game with a sense of accomplishment or satisfaction this is not the title for you.

Get the free version: This is probably the ideal option. Peggle Extreme is free and will give you most of the experience you’d get in the full version. While the Unicorn isn’t the best character for points, it is one of the better options overall.

Buy it: Paying for Peggle Nights is like paying for crack cocaine. You’ll feel guilty, and dirty, but you’ll love it while you’re playing. Minutes after putting it down you’ll forget the feeling and want to go back. If that sounds like something you’d be into, by all means pay money for this game.