Landmaker

Landmaker (ランドメーカー) is an isometric arcade puzzle video game developed and released by Taito in 1998. It is a versus action puzzle game similar in appearance to Taito's own Puzzle Bobble, though it plays more like Puyo Puyo or Baku Baku Animal. The arcade version was released only in Japan, though a prototype for a worldwide release exists.

The game was ported to the PlayStation in 1999, featuring a completely new set of modes using 3D graphics. This version was later released in North America by Jaleco as Builder's Block, and then in Europe by Eon Digital Entertainment. More recently, this version was distributed through the PlayStation Network in Japan by Square Enix.

Gameplay


This original arcade version uses 2D graphics from an isometric perspective and is entirely versus-based. Players choose from eight to ten playable characters, each with a unique stage and damage effect:


 * Hiryu (飛劉): a red-skinned man who uses fire
 * Aifa (愛華): a young girl who uses plants
 * Soumei (蒼瞑): a pale man who uses ice
 * Renki (錬奇): a purple-skinned, zombie-like man who seems to use mud
 * Youen (踊燕): a male (Japanese versions) or female (other versions) musician who uses sound (flute)
 * Kouko (候虎): a muscular man who uses rock
 * Rinrei (櫚鈴): a blue-haired woman who uses steel (swords)
 * Roushinshi (楼蜃子): an elegant-looking man who uses lightning; he is accompanied by an unnamed young boy, most likely his apprentice
 * Ranju (蘭嬬): the first boss character, uses raw power (?). When defeated, turns into Gaira. Playable with a code.
 * Gaira (鎧羅): also known as "Devil-Gaira", the second and final boss character, uses raw power (?). Playable with a code.

Ports
In addition to a very accurate port of the arcade version ("Arcade Mode"), the PlayStation version also contains new single player ("Puzzle Mode") and multiplayer ("Battle Mode") modes, using 3D graphics. Gameplay uses the same basic rules, but these modes are otherwise separate from the arcade version.

Reception
In Japan, Game Machine listed Landmaker on their October 1, 1998 issue as being the fourteenth most-successful arcade game of the month.