Chameleon Game Sample - PSP
0"Chameleon", later titled to "Chameleon: To Dye For!" is a basic low-budget puzzle game originally released in Japanese Arcades (as "Kurukuru Chameleon" / "くるくるカメレオン") and later ported to PSP and Nintendo DS. It is also an update to Hot-B's "The 7 Colors" for PC-98 (which itself was based off of a Russian game known as "Filler" back in the early 90s). Developed by Starfish-SD and published by UFO Interactive (publisher of many low-budget and highly niche games), the general rules and modes apply to both games: Five anime characters face off in territorial battles to see who can occupy the majority of the playfield, capture the flag first, or take over the most King tiles by surrounding them. The basic flow of the game is that each player starts on opposite sides of a grid under a different color and then chooses a different color to assimilate colors adjacent to them to progress -- the catch is that you can't use the color your opponent just used, so there is actually a smidgen of strategy in choosing, as simply trying to rush through is not always the best option.
Characters each have two special skills that can be used (though a few are shared) and stages are (somewhat) randomly generated. In addition, the game presents a few variables such as whirlpools / warp tiles (when one of these becomes your territory, other warp tiles become your territory), bombs (which scatter and disrupt colors on the playing field) rocks / obstacles (block your route unless you utilize a special skill) and stars (increase your special skill capabilities). The key to victory lies in "combos", where the player can grab large chunks of territory by sealing routes off, gaining more territory and opening more routes in which to plan your attack. Players, by default, have a limited amount of time to make a move, but this can be adjusted in the options. Multiplayer can be achieved with a single UMD or DS card.
The PSP version is a close port of the original Arcade game while the DS game is a minor adaptation with an extra mode and modified interface (that banks more on vertical boards with the dual screens whereas the PSP takes advantage of its wider, single horizontal screen). The Japanese game has additional "story" elements taken out of the overseas games. The audio / visuals are quite lackluster, but serviceable. On the other hand, the gameplay, at its core, is simple but addicting and somewhat similar to Reversi / Othello, but suffers due to relatively poor A.I., limited characters / boards and lasting appeal. I bought a used copy for $1.79 and came away feeling satisfied, but can't help but feel like this game was a missed opportunity that would've benefited from a little more development time and a higher budget. The finished product is relatively forgettable but fun while it lasts.