LUMINES: Supenova sticks to the same easy-to-understand gameplay as past games. In basic terms, the goal is to match up like-colored blocks into groups of four. As you match blocks, a line scrubs across the screen and clears away any matches you've made. This will either clear more room to drop new blocks or, if you're really good, setup chain reactions that will clear more blocks. Some blocks will clear any like-colored blocks that it may be touching, setting off even bigger combos. Knowing how to clear out large chunks of space at a time is key to advancing to the next level, or "skin." Any blocks that don't match will pile up. Once there's no room in the bin, it's game over.
Anyone who has already played a version of LUMINES will probably see Supernova as the same thing, but in HD. However, what makes Supernova such a great value is the amount of content. Challenge Mode is around and lets you keep playing as long as you want, while Free Play lets you set the skins you want to see and how long you want to play. On the more challenging side of things are Time Attack, where you have only a few seconds to clear a number of blocks and Missions, where you need to clear out specific blocks in a set number of turns. Finally there's Puzzle, where you need to use block drops to create pictures, letters and shapes.
So, yeah, these are modes that have appeared in past versions, but when you consider that the XBLA version charged extra for these modes, it's a good buy. But, for those who just have to have something new, Supernova brings two brand-new modes to the table. The first is Dig Deep, which challenges you to clear out two columns on a mix-matched grid of blocks in a set time. Sequencer is a music-creation system that lets you create your own music from a collection of drum beats, bass and other effects. You can choose parts, arrange them and then use them in games.
Competitive modes are available, though online isn't an option. The best you'll get are online leader boards.
