Hands-On Impressions of Lumines Arise at SGF 2025

Published by Zara o n September 3, 2025, 9:45 pm

Lumines Arise: A Fresh Take on the Classic Puzzle-Rhythm Experience

Tetsuya Mizuguchi’s games are well-known for their unique fusion of art, music, and gameplay, creating rich, immersive experiences that resonate with players. Titles such as Rez, Child of Eden, and the acclaimed Tetris Effect exemplify this synesthetic design philosophy. However, Lumines Arise stands out as it builds upon the innovative concepts introduced in Tetris Effect: Connected, elevating both auditory and visual elements in a refreshing manner. During the recent Summer Game Fest 2025 Play Days, this demo captivated my attention, leaving a lasting impression long after my thirty-minute session concluded.

Gameplay Mechanics: A Harmonious Puzzle Challenge

Staying true to the essence of its predecessor, Lumines Arise challenges players to strategically drop 2×2 color blocks while seeking to match and connect the tiles based on color. Each action generates musical notes and rhythms, allowing players to remix the accompanying soundtrack dynamically as they strive to achieve the zenith of puzzle-solving. Although the transitions between tracks are not as seamless as in previous installments, players can still experience a delightful blend of audio and visuals as they clear quantifiable blocks.

A Singular Soundtrack: The Influence of Hydelic

Breaking from tradition, Lumines Arise showcases the musical genius of a single artist—Hydelic, the composer known for his contributions to Tetris Effect: Connected. Conversations with developers hinted that there are no current plans to introduce licensed artists like Mondo Grosso, who was a memorable presence in past Lumines titles. This focused approach allows Hydelic’s diverse musical styles to shine through, enriching the gameplay experience. One particular demo track, featuring animated chameleons headbanging to energetic bass drops, stood out, providing a vibrant backdrop that elevated the gameplay during intense combo sequences.

Transforming Strategy with the Burst Mechanic

At its core, Lumines Arise maintains familiar gameplay elements from earlier versions, allowing players to link blocks and achieve combinations. The introduction of the Burst mechanic adds a new layer of strategy, enabling players to accumulate a meter that can be unleashed for powerful gameplay effects. Utilizing the Burst locks a square into its position, providing opportunities for players to build impressive combos. This mechanic promotes strategic decision-making, as players must balance using the Burst frequently with preserving it for critical moments to potentially expedite through less enjoyable tracks—a feat made easier when Hydelic’s music inspires repeated listening.

Reflections on Gameplay and Upcoming Release

My experience with the demo of Lumines Arise was profound, with the captivating music of Hydelic lingering in my thoughts. After a brief seven-minute session where I achieved an S rank, I regretted not recording the gameplay, capturing instead a less polished second run. This title has clearly left an impression, and I am eager to see what it has to offer upon its anticipated release.

Lumines Arise is set for a Fall 2025 launch on PlayStation 5, PlayStation VR 2, and PC, with a free demo coming out in the summer. This will undoubtedly give players an opportunity to dive into the rhythm-filled puzzle universe once again.

For further insights, check out the demo video here.

Hands-On Impressions of Lumines Arise at SGF 2025

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