Nintendo's SNES era was a magical time for gamers, with iconic consoles like the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) bringing countless hours of entertainment to players worldwide. One game that stands out from this era is Panel de Pon!, a puzzle game released in Japan under the title "TwinBee" in 1994. In this article, we'll delve into the world of Panel de Pon! and explore its features, gameplay, and availability.

What is Panel de Pon!?

Panel de Pon! is a puzzle game where players control a bee as it flies across a series of panels, collecting power-ups while avoiding obstacles. The game's objective is to clear the panels by creating chain reactions of explosions, all while navigating through increasingly challenging levels.

Gameplay and Mechanics

In Panel de Pon!, players control their bee character, which can move left or right along a row of panels. Each panel contains a specific number of enemies, from simple insects to more complex foes like birds and flowers. The player's goal is to clear the panels by creating chain reactions of explosions, which are triggered by collecting power-ups or hitting certain objects.

The game features various power-ups, including:

• Honey: Increases the bee's speed and score multiplier
• Wings: Allows the bee to fly faster and longer
• Bee Friends: Temporarily summons other bees to aid in clearing panels

Level Structure

Panel de Pon! consists of 16 levels, each with its unique layout and challenges. The game progresses through increasingly difficult levels, introducing new enemies and obstacles to contend with.

Age Rating

The age rating for Panel de Pon! varies depending on the region and platform it was released on. In Japan, where the game was originally released as "TwinBee," it received a C-Rating from the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB), which is equivalent to a "Mature 17+" rating in North America.

In Europe, Panel de Pon! was rated PEGI 3+, indicating that it's suitable for players aged 7 and above. However, some regions may have different age ratings or restrictions due to local laws and regulations.

Availability

Panel de Pon! has been re-released on various platforms over the years, including:

• Japan: Original release on the SNES in 1994
• North America: Released on the Virtual Console for Wii and Wii U in 2011
• Europe: Re-released on the Wii U Virtual Console in 2013
• Mobile devices: Available on iOS and Android platforms as part of a re-release titled "Panel de Pon! Deluxe"
• PC: Released on Steam as part of a remastered version titled "Panel de Pon!"

Remastered Versions

In recent years, Panel de Pon! has seen several remastered releases, which have improved the game's graphics, sound, and overall presentation. The most notable re-release is the 2011 Virtual Console release for Wii and Wii U, which featured updated graphics and a new music soundtrack.

More recently, in 2020, a remastered version of Panel de Pon! was released on Steam, featuring improved graphics, sound effects, and level design.

Conclusion

Panel de Pon! is a beloved puzzle game that has stood the test of time. Its unique gameplay mechanics, colorful graphics, and addictive soundtrack make it a must-play for fans of classic video games. With its availability on various platforms, including mobile devices and PC, Panel de Pon! remains an accessible and enjoyable experience for gamers of all ages.

Additional Information

For those interested in learning more about the development history of Panel de Pon!, here are some additional facts:

• The game was created by a small team of developers at Hudson Soft, who aimed to create a unique puzzle game that would appeal to a wide audience.
• The original Japanese release, "TwinBee," featured a different gameplay mechanic where players controlled a spaceship instead of a bee.
• Panel de Pon! has been released in several countries outside of Japan and Europe, including North America and Australia.

Overall, Panel de Pon! is a classic puzzle game that continues to entertain gamers today. Its unique gameplay mechanics, colorful graphics, and addictive soundtrack make it a must-play for fans of classic video games.