NESpresso: Game Reviews \ PC \ Tip Top Deluxe

Game Stats
System: PC
Genre: Puzzle
Players: 1
Memory used: Approx. 6.5 MB's (w/ installer)
Playtime: 00:01 / --:--
ESRB Rating: Everybody (6+)

Screenshots

Pop Cap tries to go retro in this game as players try to control the playfield from the top & the bottom.

In Tip Top, you try to clear each level by completing a group of three or more pieces. However, you have to play both the top & the bottom of the game field.

The graphics in the game seem to be a mix between that 50/60's retro look with a little vegas flair. Of course, everything on the screen is pretty functional as well. It's not hard to distinguish each item if you've ever played a basic slot machine.

The sound is so dead, I have to pop in my own music. The background music is completely missing (I've even reinstalled the game to see if that would fix it) & the sound effects are the only sound that you'll hear. You can adjust each of them to your tastes, but I would suggest that you pick up some classic vegas-style music (like Frank Sinatra or subtitute it with more modern sounds like Wayne Newton or Micheal Buble) to help accent the game.

The controls of the game is pretty simple as you'll only need the mouse. You'll control the top part of the playfield & you have little to no control over the bottom part. Just move the mouse to the column you want to drop your piece on & click to drop it.

As for gameplay, you try to survive as long as you can so you can fill up the progress bar (that wavy meter on the right side of the screen) to complete the level. The game ends if any column reaches the top or bottom row of stars. There are 3 types of game modes you can play. There's normal, where you can take your time & plan your moves, although you have no control where the bottom piece drops. In Strategic mode, the game plays similar to normal, but you now have limited control over the bottom piece that mirrors where your place the top piece. In Speed mode, the bottom piece will periodically drop onto the playfield, wether or not you drop your piece.

Tip Top is a decent game, but the deluxe version isn't as polished as it should be. Even though there's 3 game versions in the deluxe version, you should be able to play them in the basic version. Unless you're a fan of the game, save the $20 & just play the basic version online.