Okay, here's the short version: Rampage Puzzle Attack has almost nothing to do with Rampage...it's a mix between Puyo Puyo and Tetris Attack, yet arguably better than either of those games...and it has one-cart multiplayer that works perfectly, especially since it's very easy for your friends and/or family to learn (and love) the gameplay.

The slightly longer version:

Rampage Puzzle Attack is one of the best surprises yet for GBA. The first time I turned the game on, I played for over two hours before making myself stop. The puzzle mechanic is very simple, with block-dropping much like Puyo Puyo, but you select the blocks using the interface from Tetris Attack. The game's learning curve is very generous, and it can afford to be, with dozens and dozens of levels included.

The basic Clear mode is a relaxing departure from most puzzle games, because the levels almost never progress automatically based on time. That is to say, for all except a few special levels, the game moves at your own pace...no hectic insanity like we're used to in this genre. Instead, every move brings you closer to death (unless you clear some blocks), so you're encouraged to take your time and figure out the best possible action to take with that move. The fact that blocks drop two at a time adds some challenge, but it's very manageable and actually welcome, as opposed to, for example, having to fire off four blocks at a time in Hot Potato.

After about thirty seconds of loading in the one-cartridge multiplayer (score!!), that mode runs fluidly and without a hitch. You can see the other person's playing field at all times as you score combos to send junk over their way. If you want to play again afterwards, the next game starts immediately, with no loading. Although the data involved is fairly simple, this game still has some of the best one-cart link application I've seen. And, due to the nature of puzzle games, it's highly likely that you can find someone who will play with you...even a little brother or a parent. Just say it's like Tetris (even though it's really not) and they'll take the bait.

There isn't much to say about the graphics. The colors are bright and defined, and you should have no problem playing in low light. The arbitrary Rampage characters are pre-rendered and look decent, even though their sole role is to jump around and climb up the side of your playing field. So far my only complaint about the game is that the music is repetitive and doesn't seem to change as you progress in the game. They could have at least included some of the classic, identifiable Rampage tunes. Another sweet application of the license would have been some mini-level with normal Rampage gameplay to break things up, but I guess that's asking for a lot. (Hey Midway, where's the GBA Rampage game with one-cart multi for four people?)

All in all, I'm extremely impressed by Rampage Puzzle Attack, and I have no problem recommending it to all puzzle fans. My full review should be up soon, but I don't expect anything to change my overall opinion of the game. It's really, really good.