Peggle is one of those strange games where it combines two game types into one. Physics-based puzzle, and pinball. Developed by PopCap Games, known by most for their titles Zuma and Bejeweled, Peggle is honestly a hardcore casual game. It is simple enough that almost anyone can play, but the difficulty ramps up perfectly that you always triumphant when you finish a level.
BASIC GAMEPLAY
The basic concept of Peggle is similar to Plinko from The Price Is Right, but features a movable cannon, and pegs in various configurations. Players aim the cannon with their mouse, and click to fire. The ball then bounces about in the pegs, which is somehow entertaining over and over again. The goal is to strike all the orange pegs, to finish the level. Other obstacles are often incorporated, and often move in patterns, to create waves, stars, whatever the level theme is.
LEVELS AND MODES
There are 55 levels in the game. They are distributed in 11 character sets, each character possessing a different magic power obtained by hitting one of two green pegs in a level. These characters range from a unicorn, to a flower, to an owl. Their powers are all unique, and feel different enough to make you choose characters based on the level at hand.
After one finishes the main line of levels, they start on the challenges to become a Peggle Zen Master. This uses the same levels as the main line, but has different game modes, such as “one ball,” more orange pegs, or versus mode.
Overall, this game is dreadfully entertaining. The campaign ramps you up into the intricacies of the game, and then throws you into the challenge mode. As long as you enjoy watching balls bounce about in a gridwork of pegs, you will enjoy this game. I call this a hardcore casual game because you may start out playing it with the intention of playing for a few minutes, but the game will engross you to the point where nothing will get done. You have been warned.