Laruaville 9

This is a pretty "standard" Laruaville: 100 levels of M3-puzzles which are not too difficult, and tons of minigames (solitaire, mahjong, spot the differences, and a couple of HOS). Most of the levels can be done with matches only, but there are a few which you must use the powerups. If you enjoy using powerups all the time, there are plenty to be had as I swear they appear by themselves if you wait long enough, never mind that making bigger matches is easy with the relatively small playing fields.

The inaccessible red areas from the previous installment was retired, and I haven't seen it since in any later Laruaville game. For me, this makes playing more fun since it's not just a matter of getting "halfway" through a puzzle to have the level finish playing itself constantly, although there still are a small number of levels which do still play that way.

There are 40 optional bonus M3 levels which gradually unlock as you progress through the main game. Twenty of them are turn-based duels against a computer opponent where you're trying to remove all the coins from your side of the playfield before the opponent can do the same in their half. The other 20 bonus levels are extra challenging M3 levels. Some feature black coins which cause an immediate forfeit if you collect any black coins. Others are designed with both an easy and a hard way to win.

The story and town building scene are typical Laruaville, but I did find the theme of the story charming with 2 of the ghosts reforming the 3rd to be a kinder, gentler soul.

Great if you want a M3 which is a little different and relaxing for the most part.