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Lumines Arise

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Lumines Arise
Item: Lumines Arise
Author: MonsterCritic Editorial Team

2025

GenresSide View Perspective, Puzzle and Logic, Music and Dance, Single Player, Multiplayer

AvailableNov 11, 2025

PlatformPlayStation 5, PC

DeveloperEnhance Games

Overview

A mind-blowing, fiendishly addictive reinvention of the puzzle classic Lumines from the creators of Tetris Effect: Connected, where sound pulses through your body, mind, and every block you place, triggering dazzling visuals synched to the driving beat of an infectious, eclectic soundtrack.

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Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

Analysis Unavailable

Summary unavailable

TL;DR

story and narrative

Description unavailable

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Lumines Arise receives rave reviews for its addictive gameplay and innovative mechanics, like the Burst system and multiple engaging modes. Critics praise its blend of classic and new elements, ensuring accessibility for newcomers while challenging veterans. Minor drawbacks include chaotic visuals and a steep learning curve, but overall, it’s deemed a must-play in the puzzle genre.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

95%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The gameplay of Lumines Arise has been met with overwhelmingly positive feedback from critics, who praise its intricate mechanics and engaging design. Reviewers like But Why Tho? highlight the game's unique puzzle experience, emphasizing the intricate timing and block management that keeps players immersed. CGMagazine and COGconnected both note the addictive nature of the gameplay, with CGMagazine specifically pointing out the various modes, including the roguelike Journey mode and Mission mode, which enhance player engagement. The introduction of the Burst mechanic has been widely acknowledged as a significant enhancement, allowing for creative combos and strategic depth, as noted by GameBlast and ComicBook. Critics agree that the game successfully retains its classic roots while introducing new elements that make it accessible yet challenging, appealing to both newcomers and veterans alike. Despite the strong praise, some critics have pointed out minor drawbacks. For instance, VGC mentions that while the gameplay is engaging, the chaotic visuals can occasionally hinder clarity, making it difficult for players to focus on their strategies. Additionally, Endless Mode expressed a feeling of inadequacy when trying to master the game's mechanics, which may suggest a steep learning curve that could deter some casual players. However, these criticisms appear to be relatively isolated, as the majority of reviewers have found the gameplay to be both enjoyable and rewarding. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Lumines Arise delivers a compelling and addictive gameplay experience that successfully builds on its predecessors. The combination of classic mechanics with innovative features like the Burst system and the Time Line mechanic has resonated well with players, as highlighted by critics such as PlayStation LifeStyle and Shacknews. The game is celebrated for its ability to maintain a balance between simplicity and depth, ensuring that it remains engaging across various modes and challenges. With its strong emphasis on strategy and player engagement, Lumines Arise is poised to be a standout title in the puzzle genre.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Lumines Arise dazzles with its visually stunning graphics, hailed as a "masterpiece" by critics for its innovative designs and captivating audiovisual experience. However, some reviewers noted clarity issues caused by excessive effects that can detract from gameplay readability. Despite these drawbacks, the game is celebrated for surpassing its predecessors in visual flair, making it a must-play for genre fans.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

100%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The graphics and visual design of Lumines Arise have garnered widespread acclaim from critics, with many describing the visuals as a masterpiece. Reviewers such as CGMagazine and Inverse praised the game for its "feast for the eyes" and "entrancing sensory experience," respectively, highlighting the innovative designs that evolve throughout the levels. Critics like Hobby Consolas and Loot Level Chill emphasized the stunning visual design, noting the dynamic backgrounds and imaginative block designs that create a visually stimulating experience. The harmonious blend of visuals and music has been particularly lauded, with COGconnected noting how the evolving aesthetics enhance gameplay, while PlayStation LifeStyle highlighted the unmatched audiovisual experience, especially on OLED TVs and VR setups. However, the critics also pointed out some notable drawbacks in the visual design. While many praised the impressive graphics, several reviewers, including GameBlast and GameSpot, mentioned clarity issues that can arise due to excessive effects and dynamic backgrounds. Critics like VGC and Shacknews echoed this sentiment, stating that the complexity of the visuals sometimes detracts from gameplay readability, making it challenging to discern key elements during intense moments. This concern was also reflected in But Why Tho?'s observation of distracting elements during gameplay, suggesting that while the visuals are stunning, they can occasionally hinder the overall experience. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Lumines Arise delivers a visually captivating experience that is largely considered a triumph in graphical design. The majority of reviewers, including those from Metro GameCentral and Push Square, agree that the game surpasses its predecessors in visual flair and presentation. Despite some criticisms regarding clarity and overwhelming effects, the overwhelming sentiment is one of admiration for the game's artistic achievements. With its vibrant themes and immersive environments, Lumines Arise stands out as a visually dazzling entry in the series, solidifying its status as a must-play for fans of the genre.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

Lumines Arise has received rave reviews for its exceptional sound design and diverse soundtrack, praised for enhancing gameplay immersion and offering a captivating audio-visual experience. Critics note the seamless integration of music into gameplay, though some highlight issues with track memorability and occasional mismatches with visuals. Overall, the audio experience is considered a significant strength, despite a few critiques regarding the consistency and energy of certain tracks.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

81%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

19%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The sound design and music of Lumines Arise have garnered overwhelmingly positive feedback from critics, highlighting the game's exceptional audio experience. Reviewers such as But Why Tho? and CGMagazine praised the soundtrack for its infectious quality and seamless integration with gameplay, emphasizing how the diverse range of genres enhances the overall experience. Critics like COGconnected and GameBlast echoed this sentiment, noting that the rich and varied soundtrack contributes significantly to the captivating audio-visual experience. The return of the music unit Hydelic, as noted by Gameliner, further enriches the auditory landscape, with each level featuring its own distinctive track that complements the gameplay, creating a strong sensory experience. Despite the overall acclaim, some critics pointed out certain shortcomings in the sound design and music. Vandal mentioned instances where the sound design did not align perfectly with the visuals, which could detract from immersion. ComicBook noted that while the audio features a variety of tracks, some songs were less engaging, suggesting a lack of consistency in quality. Additionally, GameSpot highlighted that although the soundtrack fits the levels well, it lacks memorability, indicating that some tracks may sacrifice pace for complexity. PlayStation Universe also expressed disappointment, stating that the soundtrack felt underwhelming compared to previous installments, lacking the replayability and energy that fans might expect. Overall, the consensus among critics is that the sound design and music of Lumines Arise are significant strengths of the game, with the majority praising their integration and contribution to the gameplay experience. Critics like Metro GameCentral and Shacknews emphasized the soundtrack as a defining feature that enhances the overall enjoyment, while PlayStation LifeStyle and Push Square reiterated the music's intricate ties to gameplay mechanics. While there are some critiques regarding specific tracks and their memorability, the prevailing sentiment is one of appreciation for the captivating and immersive audio experience that Lumines Arise offers.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

Analysis Unavailable

Summary unavailable

TL;DR

voice acting

Description unavailable

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

Lumines Arise impresses with solid technical performance on PC and PS5, earning praise for smooth gameplay and accessibility features. Critics commend seamless device transitions on PC and a strong VR experience on PS5, running at 60 FPS. However, minor issues like matchmaking glitches, connection problems, and the lack of HDR support on PS5 are noted. Overall, the game is well-optimized, with positives outweighing the negatives, making it a strong choice for players.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

78%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

22%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

The technical performance of Lumines Arise has garnered generally positive feedback from critics across both PC and PS5 platforms. On PC, CGMagazine highlights the game's seamless transitions between devices facilitated by Steam Cloud saves, while Hobby Consolas notes that it runs smoothly at 1080p with high settings, indicating strong optimization. Vandal adds that the game performs well overall and includes various accessibility options, enhancing the user experience. On the PS5, both Game Informer and GameSpot echo similar sentiments, reporting good technical performance in both single-player and multiplayer modes, with GameSpot specifically mentioning the enhanced experience in VR. Push Square also contributes positively, noting that the game runs at a solid 60 frames-per-second, which is commendable for maintaining fluid gameplay. Despite the favorable reviews, there are some negatives that critics have pointed out. On PC, GameBlast mentions minor issues with matchmaking and visual clarity, which could detract from the overall experience, while Loot Level Chill notes connection problems in multiplayer, suggesting that these aspects might need improvement. On the PS5, while the performance is generally strong, Push Square points out the absence of HDR support as a minor disappointment, which could affect the visual experience for some players. Overall, these issues, while not game-breaking, indicate areas where the technical performance could be enhanced. The overall consensus among critics is that Lumines Arise performs well technically across both platforms, with minor caveats that do not significantly undermine the experience. The PC version is praised for its smooth performance and accessibility features, though some connectivity and visual clarity issues were noted. The PS5 version similarly enjoys a strong performance, particularly in VR, but lacks HDR support, which some players may find disappointing. Overall, both platforms deliver a solid technical experience, with critics largely agreeing that the positives outweigh the negatives, making Lumines Arise a well-optimized title for its intended audience.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Lumines Arise boasts strong replay value, praised for its diverse modes, challenges, and customizable experiences that keep players engaged. Critics highlight features like playlists for favorite stages and various difficulty levels, enhancing longevity. However, concerns about the lack of an endless mode and limited multiplayer options could dampen long-term interest for some. Overall, it delivers a rich, engaging experience that encourages players to come back for more.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

90%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

10%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The overall sentiment regarding the replay value of Lumines Arise is overwhelmingly positive, with the majority of critics praising its extensive features that encourage players to return to the game. Critics such as But Why Tho? and CGMagazine highlight the game's multiple modes and challenges, which significantly enhance replayability. The inclusion of a playlist feature, as noted by COGconnected and Loot Level Chill, allows players to revisit their favorite stages, adding to the game's longevity. Furthermore, the customization options and various difficulty levels, as mentioned by Gameliner, provide players with a tailored experience that keeps the gameplay fresh and engaging. However, some critics did express concerns about potential drawbacks that could affect replay value. For instance, Game Informer pointed out that the absence of an Endless Mode might reduce the incentive for players to replay the single-player campaign, despite the core experience remaining enjoyable. Additionally, Shacknews noted that while there are multiple modes available, the limited number of multiplayer options could diminish replay value over time. Hobby Consolas also mentioned worries about repetition, suggesting that while the game is enjoyable, it may not sustain long-term engagement for all players. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Lumines Arise offers significant replay value, with many reviewers emphasizing the variety and depth of content available. Critics like GameSpot and PlayStation LifeStyle reaffirm that the game's multiple modes, including Journey and multiplayer options, provide ample reasons for players to return. The engaging mechanics and emotional impact described by Inverse further support the notion that players will find themselves revisiting the game regularly. While some concerns about repetition and limited multiplayer modes exist, the majority opinion is that Lumines Arise successfully delivers a rich and rewarding experience that encourages repeated play.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

98%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

The overall sentiment surrounding Lumines Arise is overwhelmingly positive, with numerous critics praising its engaging gameplay, stunning visuals, and immersive sound design. Reviewers like But Why Tho? and Loot Level Chill highlight the game's ability to combine addictive mechanics with a captivating soundtrack, making it a must-try for both puzzle enthusiasts and newcomers alike. CGMagazine and GameBlast echo similar sentiments, emphasizing that Lumines Arise successfully enhances the classic gameplay of its predecessors while integrating modern features, thus creating an immersive and rhythmic experience. Critics like Shacknews and PlayStation LifeStyle further elevate the game's status by describing it as a triumph and one of the best puzzle games ever made, respectively, reinforcing the notion that it resonates well with both new players and long-time fans of the series. Despite the acclaim, several critics have noted minor flaws that detract from the overall experience. Issues such as readability in certain levels, as mentioned by Gameliner, and distractions during gameplay, highlighted by Game Informer, suggest that while the game excels in many areas, it is not without its imperfections. ComicBook pointed out flaws in level transitions and thematic coherence in the music, which could disrupt the otherwise seamless experience. Additionally, VGC noted that while the visuals are dynamic, they sometimes sacrifice gameplay clarity, indicating that the game's ambitious design choices may occasionally hinder player understanding and enjoyment. In conclusion, the consensus among critics is that Lumines Arise is a highly successful and engaging addition to the puzzle genre, with most reviewers considering it a significant achievement. The majority of critics, including Metro GameCentral and Push Square, agree that it revitalizes the series while maintaining the core essence that fans love. The minor issues mentioned do not overshadow the overall positive reception, as reviewers collectively regard Lumines Arise as a must-play title that effectively combines classic elements with modern aesthetics, making it a standout experience in the gaming landscape.

TL;DR

Lumines Arise is hailed as a must-play puzzle game, blending addictive gameplay, stunning visuals, and a captivating soundtrack, praised by critics like Shacknews and GameBlast. While some minor flaws—like readability issues and distractions—exist, they don't overshadow the game’s success in revitalizing the beloved series. Overall, it’s celebrated as a standout experience that appeals to both newcomers and longtime fans.

MONSTER

Reviews

44 reviews found

100

Inverse

Nov 11, 2025