Crush Roller review by substance J

Crush Roller is an Action-Puzzle game from ADK, seemingly modeled after Namco's Pacman. Supposedly Crush Roller is a 'classic' Arcade game, although I can't say I'd heard of it before it was announced for NGP. It features a number of different gameplay modes, including 2P Link-Up.

Graphics - B+
Crush Roller's graphics are actually quite good, and like most puzzle games, help make up for the occasionally mundane gameplay. The color palette is pleasingly diverse, and the minor animations involved look good as well. Each stage has a different theme, and each is well designed and executed. The goal of each level is to paint the streets all one color. Different levels use different color paint. It may seem rather funny, but this really helps make the visuals more interesting. Also, the freaky-cute character portraits in the "Ojama-Collection" are drawn and colored nicely.

Sound - C+
Being a puzzle game, there aren't many sound effects, and what's here is passable. The music however, is a bit of a disappointment. Games of this style need some infectious music...but Crush Roller's tunes are more reminiscent of a passing Ice Cream Truck rather than catchy 16-bit groove-fests. The continue screen music is very cool though. Disappointing there isn't more of it.

Gameplay - B-
It might seem a bit average on a console system, but Crush Roller shines on NGP. It's addictive and easy to pick up and play, but there are some problems with the formula...more on that later. Out of a roster of disturbingly cute characters, you play the roll of a brush. That's right, a living brush-character! Your goal is to paint all of the streets in the land, while avoiding Monsters trying to stop you. During each level, after a certain number of points have been accumulated, a hidden character ("Irkster") will be released. These characters will run around the screen, leaving footprints in your freshly painted streets. Grab them! Once you capture them, they're removed from the screen, allowing normal painting to commence, and they're added to the your "Ojama-Collection." Collecting all of the characters definitely adds replay value, and an extra challenge.

The main gameplay problem is the painting of the streets. Often, tiny (and I mean *tiny*) sections of street are left unpainted, not necessarily due to player error. It can be very hard (sometimes impossible) to see what has been missed, and then you basically have to repaint the entire level to ensure everything is fully covered. Very aggravating. Also, there is no real way to rid the screen of monsters. In similar games such as Pacman, there are simple ways to clear the screen of enemies, if only momentarily. In Crush Roller, dispatching Monsters is highly ineffective and even counter productive at times. Paint Rollers built into the landscape provide a momentary speed boost, which can be used to 'Crush' Monsters. This provides you with bonus points, but when the enemy regenerates seconds later, it's actually more powerful. Annoying.

Overall - B-
Crush Roller has its problems, but it's still very addictive, and offers a nice selection of play modes. Replay value is good, and the slightly trippy atmosphere is enjoyable. It can be very difficult in later levels, but overall it's a satisfying experience, and it actually manages to elevate itself from the Filler category. If you've been interested in Crush Roller (like I was), then there's no reason not to pick it up. I recommend it, and I'm not even a puzzle fan!