Pokémon Puzzle Challenge is the Game Boy Color version of Pokémon Puzzle League. Released in Europe on 15 June 2001, it adapts Panel de Pon to the world of Gold and Silver: you face the Johto Gym Leaders and the Elite Four by lining up blocks. At the time, our review gave it 13 out of 20 and lamented its lack of success. It is nonetheless one of the best puzzle games on the console.
Panel de Pon in Your Pocket
The principle is the same as Puzzle League: colored blocks rise from the bottom of the screen, and you swap two adjacent blocks to line up three or more of the same color. Combos and chains send garbage blocks to your opponent. Despite the small screen, readability is excellent and the game is easy to pick up.
The World of Gold and Silver
Challenge mode pits you against the eight Johto Gym Leaders, then the Elite Four. You play with a Pokémon chosen from a selection: Chikorita, Cyndaquil and Totodile at the start, then others to unlock, such as Pichu, Togepi or Marill. Pikachu is the only first-generation Pokémon you can play.
Plenty of Modes
Marathon, Time Trial, Line, Puzzle, Clear, a tutorial and a two-player mode with the Game Link Cable: the content is generous for a Game Boy Color cartridge. The graphics and music are among the most polished on the console.
Is It Worth Playing Today?
Yes, for puzzle fans. The 3DS Virtual Console version, released in Europe in late November 2014 at €4.99, has not been on sale since the eShop closed in 2023; the cartridge remains.
Our verdict
An excellent puzzler, unjustly overlooked, and one of the best puzzle games on the Game Boy Color.
What we like
- The Panel de Pon mechanics, perfectly adapted
- The world of Gold and Silver
- Plenty of modes
- Polished presentation for the Game Boy Color
What we like less
- A two-player mode that requires two cartridges
- A difficulty that ramps up quickly
Our original review is still online.
