“Lumines Arise” Review by Nick Navarro
Every so often, a puzzle game comes along that completely redefines how I think about rhythm, visuals, and flow. “Lumines Arise” hit me like a kaleidoscopic thunderbolt, a game that doesn’t just demand attention, it earns it. Developed by Enhance and Monstars Inc., this is the long-awaited return of Mizuguchi’s classic puzzle series, and it’s the first new entry since 2018’s “Lumines Remastered.” I played it on PS5 without VR, but even in standard mode, the experience was utterly absorbing. Having said that, I’m sure the VR mode is quite a blast.
The concept behind “Lumines Arise” is beautifully simple but devilishly deep. You’re working with 2×2 blocks composed of two colors, dropping them into place to create single-color squares while a sweeping timeline clears them in sync with the beat. It sounds basic on paper, but in motion it becomes this hypnotic dance between precision and instinct, a kind of digital meditation punctuated by bursts of rhythm and color. Right away, I could feel the DNA of Enhance’s “Tetris Effect: Connected” pulsing through every moment. The way sound, light, and vibration merge into a single sensory rhythm feels instantly familiar, but here, it’s applied to a very different style of puzzle solving. Each movement, every line clear, and every combo feels tactile and musical, as though the game itself is performing alongside you.
The new Burst mechanic adds a clever layer of tension and reward. It lets you pause the normal clearing rhythm, holding back completed squares so you can build even bigger chains before releasing them for massive combos. The first time I used it correctly and watched the screen erupt in a cascade of synchronized explosions, I couldn’t help but grin. It’s a system that rewards patience and experimentation but also invites that addictive, one-more-try loop that makes the best puzzle games so hard to put down. What really elevates “Lumines Arise” beyond the realm of the ordinary is how each of its 35+ stages feels like a distinct emotional vignette. One level might be a serene jungle bathed in warm hues and gentle percussion, while the next thrusts you into a neon metropolis buzzing with electronic beats. There are moments of calm, intensity, and even transcendence, and the seamless way the game transitions between them makes the whole campaign feel like a cohesive, emotional journey rather than a simple level list.
That’s part of what makes the title “Journey” for the main campaign so fitting. By the time I reached the final stages, I genuinely felt like I’d traveled through a world of sound and emotion, an odyssey that reminded me why I love Mizuguchi’s approach to interactive art. Few developers understand synesthesia like he does, and “Lumines Arise” feels like the culmination of that lifelong pursuit: to make players feel music through play. The soundtrack deserves special mention, too. Once again composed by Hydelic, whose work on “Tetris Effect: Connected” and “Rez Infinite” already set a high bar, this score absolutely soars. From pulsing electronica to airy ambient tracks, it captures a huge emotional range. Playing with headphones on made a world of difference, letting every beat, chime, and subtle rhythm sink in deeper. I also loved the new Playlist feature, which lets you string together your favorite tracks or stages for a more personalized session; it’s a small addition that I can see really enhancing replayability.
Visually, “Lumines Arise” is the most stunning entry the series has ever seen. The PS5’s hardware allows for crisp, dazzling 4K visuals and complex particle effects that make the stages pop with life. However, that visual intensity occasionally comes at the cost of gameplay clarity. There were a few moments when I found myself squinting to distinguish block colors amid all the visual chaos. It’s a minor issue, but it’s worth noting for players who prefer pure readability over spectacle. Outside of the main Journey mode, there’s a surprising amount to do. The game includes various single-player challenges, score attack variants, and a full suite of online multiplayer options for testing your skills against others. Customizing your Loomii Avatar adds a fun touch of personality, with more options than any previous “Lumines” release. It’s a small but welcome addition that helps round out the sense of identity and connection to the game world.
Even without diving into its optional VR support, I came away completely impressed. “Lumines Arise” is the perfect balance of nostalgia and innovation, an evolution that respects its origins while confidently stepping into new territory. For me, it’s the kind of game that I’ll keep installed for years, ready for those late-night sessions when I want to lose myself in something both challenging and meditative. Enhance has once again captured lightning in a bottle. “Lumines Arise” isn’t just a return; it’s a revelation. It’s vibrant, emotional, and endlessly replayable, a rhythmic dream that proves once more that Mizuguchi’s vision for synesthetic gaming remains as powerful as ever.
9/10
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Gaming since I was given an original Nintendo as a kid. I love great storytelling and unique ingenuity. When both collide in a single game, I'm a happy gamer. Twitter/IG @NickNavarro87
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