Underrated but classic puzzler
After the world went crazy for Tetris, every developer tried desperately to cash in on its success with similar puzzle games, and while some were abject failures, others successfully expanded on its addictive qualities. Fortunately for Sega, Baku Baku is one of the latter. Although the core gameplay of matching falling blocks remains similar, this game adds in complexity by requiring players to match animals with their preferred food, with greater chains of animals and food providing higher points rewards. A two-player mode is the best way to play the game, with the competitive nature adding much to its appeal, but even in single-player, this is a fun little puzzler. Some genuine character is added to Baku Baku through the animations of the animals and the nicely varied backgrounds keep the player's attention well. A somewhat unnecessary but nevertheless gorgeous animated intro sets the game's tone and provides some much appreciated humour. Sound effects and music too are appropriately bouncy and upbeat, adding to the pressure and the game's pace. Although simple in concept, this is a great but underrated puzzler that deserves greater recognition and should be sought out by fans of Columns and other similar games.
