Strategy Guide - Guide for Pokemon Puzzle League

POKéMON PUZZLE LEAGUE (N64)
GUIDE & FAQ
Written/Compiled by DizzyBum 
(David Zielinski - [email protected])
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REVISION 1.1.0:  February 4, 2000
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NOTICE:  I have taken the time to not include any possible game spoilers in 
the contents of this FAQ.  Any sections with possible major game spoilers 
will be marked with an asterisk (*) in the contents.

Thanks for your time.

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CONTENTS:

I. About this FAQ
II. About Puzzle League
 A. Game History
 B. Playing the Game
 C. Game Mechanics
  1. 1P Mode
  2. Versus Mode
   a. Attacking
   b. Defending
   c. Metal Blocks
   d. Time Buffer
  3. Puzzle Mode
 D. Character List*
III. Game Modes
 A. Training and Options
  1. Prof. Oak's Lab
  2. Pokémon Center
  3. Mimic Mansion
   a. View Demo
   b. Mimic Mode
   c. Super Easy
 B. Modes of Play
  1. Marathon
  2. Time Zone
  3. Spa Service
  4. Puzzle University*
  5. 1P Stadium*
  6. 2P Stadium
IV. Secret Codes*
 A. Marathon*
 B. 1P Stadium* [#1]
 C. 1P Stadium* [#2]
 D. 2P Stadium* [#1]
 E. 2P Stadium* [#2]
V. Et Cetera
 A. Revision history
 B. Thanks
 C. Legal stuff and conclusion

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I. ABOUT THIS FAQ
==============================================

This FAQ was written to be the ultimate resource for Pokémon Puzzle League
for the Nintendo 64.  

I have been a fan of the Panel de Pon spinoffs ever since NOA released 
Tetris Attack for the Super NES back in 1995.  I've become quite the expert
at this unique and very upbeat style of puzzle game, and I'm not just saying
that to scare you or make myself look cool.  So, expect more than your basic
do-this-to-make-that-happen walkthroughs, or a full list of cheat codes.

This guide is still far from being complete, however, so still expect many
updates in the future.  

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II. ABOUT POKéMON PUZZLE LEAGUE
==============================================

A. GAME HISTORY
----------------------------------------------

This game went on sale in North America on Monday, September 25, 2000.
Nintendo has a bad habit of shipping games EARLY, in order to confuse 
CERTAIN anonymous people...  *grumbles*

The whole idea of this game began in 1994~95 with a Super Famicom game 
called Panel de Pon.  It was a neat little puzzle game.  About a year 
later, the game was re-done and the artwork was all replaced with elements 
from the popular side-scroller Yoshi's Island.  Then, NOA got smart and 
decided to sell the game over here in the US.  For some inscrutable 
reason they borrowed the Tetris name, renaming it Tetris Attack for all 
the gullible North American children that assume all puzzle games must 
originate from Russia.  (Just don't call it a Tetris game, or I'll rip 
your lungs out!)

The information gets a little scattered after that.  Pokémon is just so 
horribly popular that Nintendo just couldn't settle for RPGs, pinball, and 
photography sims.  They had to take over other genres, and "Puzzle" 
immediately became the next target.  So the nuts over at NCL whip out an 
old Panel de Pon cartridge, wipe off the dust, and dump the ROM.  A little 
new coding here and there, some new artwork and music, and voila!  Pokémon 
gets milked even further!

Now that I've done the right thing and shared with you the history of the
game, let's get on to the meat of it.


B. PLAYING THE GAME
----------------------------------------------

This is the basic premise of the game.  The actual idea may vary depending
on the game mode and field mode you're currently playing.

Tetris Attack veterans, bear with me here.

You are given a large field full of colorful blocks decorated with official
Gym badges and other various symbols.  Armed with a two-panel-wide cursor,
your task is to swap those blocks around in order to clear them from the
field.  How, you ask?  All you have to do is line up at least three of the
same type of block either horizontally or vertically, and they're gone.
Place the cursor over the two blocks you wish to switch, then press either 
the A or B buttons to swap 'em.  You can also switch blocks with empty
space, which can help to flatten the stack if it's getting too high.

You'll see seven different types of blocks in this game:

 - Water Blocks
 - Fire Blocks
 - Leaf Blocks
 - Heart Blocks
 - Circle Blocks
 - Diamond Blocks (only when you crank up the difficulty level)
 - Poké Ball Blocks (only in Versus Mode; we'll get to that later)

You earn 10 points for each block that you make go poof, and bonus points
for every combo or chain that you create.  COMBOS are created by matching
four or more blocks at once.  When a match-up results in more match-ups,
that's a CHAIN; these are harder to explain without pictures, sadly.  The
idea is that when blocks clear, gravity kicks in and the blocks above will
fall.  Should those blocks end up matching and clearing when they land,
that triggers a Chain bonus.  Get it?  Got it?  Good.  So I don't have to
resort to bad ASCII art to explain it, then.

I should also mention SKILL CHAINS...  These are a specific set of chains
that you create whilst blocks are clearing off the field.  You can set
blocks to clear after they fall from previous clears, thus creating more
and more chains.  These take lots of practice to perfect, so don't expect
to become a master overnight (unless you've retained your Tetris Attack
skills, in which case I say huzzah, brother!)

Then there's TIME LAG CHAINS, which are actually multiple chains occurring
within a very short span of time.  The most common cause of this is simply
blocks falling at the same time, but travelling different distances to land
and clear.  They will all be counted in a single sequence of chains.

In certain game modes, you can also select between playing on a 2-D 6x12 
field, or a 3-D cylindrical field 12 rows high.  Get used to both, so 
you'll never get bored, and so you'll be ready for any challenge.

Now, I'll get specific and explain the three major categories of game play.


C. GAME MECHANICS
----------------------------------------------

- 1. 1P Mode ---------------------------------

In 1P Mode, it's you against your sanity.  The name of the game here is 
survival.  As time goes on, extra rows of blocks will slowly rise from the 
bottom of the stack.  If ever the stack of blocks should touch the very top
of the field, your game is over.  Expert strategists can forcibly add rows 
to the stack by pressing the L and R buttons on the controller.  Just don't
overdo it.

As you continue playing, the SPEED LEVEL of the rising blocks will gradu-
ally increase.  The speed level can range anywhere from 1 (molasses in
January) to 99 (hypersonic).  If you make a COMBO or a CHAIN, the stack of
blocks will freeze in horror for a few seconds as Jigglypuff appears to hum
a tune.  Plug your ears and clear those blocks!

When the blocks get less than a row away from touching the top, any columns
in danger will alert you by rapidly pulsing up and down.  This indicates you
are in DANGER.  When in danger, make a COMBO or CHAIN to freeze the rising 
blocks for about double the normal stop time.  Take this time to clear as 
many blocks as possible, in order to save yourself from having to start all 
over again.  You wouldn't enjoy that.


- 2. Versus Mode -----------------------------

Versus Mode includes any game involving a two-player split-screen.  The
object is to keep your stack from touching the top before your opponent's
does.  Sounds simple, doesn't it?  

Oh, far from it, my friend.  In this game mode, creating COMBOS and CHAINS
will automatically rain down colorful bricks down onto your opponent.
These bricks are collectively called GARBAGE BLOCKS.  They cannot be moved
with the cursor, and will sit there impeding your forward progress unless
you do something about them...

Versus Mode is pretty in-depth, so I've broken it into four manageable 
chunks for all of you.  Aren't I just so thoughtful?  *ego inflates*


   a. Attacking
---------------------
 Creating COMBOS will rain small garbage blocks of varying sizes upon your 
 opponent.  

 When making combos in the 2D or 3D fields...
  ...the size of the garbage block(s) can be calculated by taking the number
 of blocks cleared in the combo and subtracting 1.  So, a 5-block combo will
 send over a block of garbage that is 4 units long.
  ...you will send over multiple garbage blocks IF the resulting block 
 would otherwise not fit in one row of the field.  The calculation remains
 the same, and the block is simply broken up to fit in the field.  (This
 should only apply to 2D mode.)

 Creating CHAINS tends to drop longer and thicker blocks on your opponent.
 The actual nature of these blocks will change, depending on which field you
 are playing in, 2D or 3D.

 When making chains in the 2D field...
  ...the height of a chain block is calculated by taking the value of the
 chain and subtracting 1.  So, a 6x chain will make a garbage block 5 rows 
 high.
  ...the block's thickness can go no higher than 12 rows.

 When making chains in the 3D field...
  ...a 2x chain block will wrap 1/3 of the way around the cylinder.
  ...a 3x chain block will wrap 2/3 of the way around the cylinder.
  ...a 4x chain block will wrap all the way around the cylinder.
  ...any chain blocks higher than 4x will wrap all the way around the 
 cylinder, and their height in rows is calculated by taking the value of the 
 chain and subtracting 3.  So, a 7x chain will make a garbage block 4 rows 
 high.
  ...the block's thickness can go no higher than 10 rows.


   b. Defending
---------------------
 To remove a garbage block from your field, all you have to do is clear any
 set of blocks that is subsequently touching the garbage.  Your character
 will exclaim something goofy; the garbage block will then transform into
 regular blocks, which can be used to turn the tables on your opponent.
 Note that any garbage blocks of the same color touching each other will
 also be transformed...


   c. Metal Blocks
---------------------
 From time to time, you'll notice special POKé BALL BLOCKS rising in your
 stack.  If you match up three or more of these, you will send a special
 METAL GARBAGE BLOCK to your opponent.  These blocks function in the 
 same way as the usual colorful garbage blocks...  However, these metal 
 blocks must be cleared separately from the usual colorful garbage blocks!  
 It doesn't matter if they're touching; garbage blocks with opposing colors
 will NOT clear each other.  This can lead to some deadly strategy: try
 dumping some colored blocks onto your opponent, followed by a metal block, 
 then another stack of colored blocks.  This effectively triples your 
 attack's effectiveness; your opponent now has to slug their way through 
 three sets of garbage blocks instead of simply clearing one gigantic set.


   d. Time Buffer
---------------------
 Be aware that the game gives you a bit of a TIME BUFFER when your stack of
 blocks and garbage extends past the top of your field.  You'll have about
 an extra second to clear more blocks and save your sorry butt.  You can 
 see this happen when the pulsing blocks suddenly stop pulsing... right 
 before you lose.  This effect is crucial to your survival -- it lets you 
 fight back right to the bitter end, even if you still have 20 rows of 
 garbage sitting on top of you.  

 Take note that this is only applicable for Versus Mode; it's instant death 
 in 1P Mode.


- 3. Puzzle Mode -----------------------------

Unique to Puzzle University and its Puzzle Editor mode.  This mode gives
you pre-set sequences of panels and a set number of moves which you can
make with them.  Your mission (should you choose to accept) is to clear all
the panels from the field using the number of moves allowed.  Obviously,
the Puzzle Editor lets you create your own puzzles, but try to be nice and
make them solveable, okay?

No scoring is involved, and there are no extra rows of panels rising from
the bottom.  What you see is what you get.


D. CHARACTER LIST
----------------------------------------------

You'll see a whole plethora of characters from the Pokémon anime in this
game.  In 1P Stadium, you play as Ash going up against all the other 
characters you see here.  You can choose any of these characters to battle 
with in the 2P Stadium.  

Each character has their own unique set of Pokémon, so don't be afraid to 
pick and choose.  They also have unique voice clips, which can be either
really cool or really annoying, depending on your character preference.
(Note that when you create a CHAIN, your current Pokémon will squeal with
delight.  Needless to say, this can work to your advantage if your current
Pokémon's voice is horribly distracting, like with Sabrina's Abra.)

The last four characters (with a * after their names) are SECRET 
CHARACTERS.  To unlock them, you'll need a special code (and a spare N64
controller)...  Check the 2P Stadium section for details.

As for the final character on the list, you may only play a special two-
player battle using Ash and this character if you have the secret code.


- ASH KETCHUM -
Everyone's favorite bumbling protagonist.  Prof. Oak invited Ash to compete
in the Puzzle League tournament, for some strange reason.  You play as Ash
in the 1P Stadium brackets, attempting to crawl your way to the top of a 
giant pile of AI.  For that reason alone, his voice will become quite
annoying (as if it isn't already).

Pokémon:  Pikachu, Bulbasaur, Squirtle
 Select character: "I'm Ash, from Pallet Town!"
                   "I'm ready to go!"
                   "Let's do it!"
 Clear garbage   : "I'm gonna win!"
 Make combo      : "Way to go!"
 Win battle      : "Yippee!"
                   "My Pokémon rule!"
                   "I'm a Pokémon Master!"
 Win match       : "Hahaha, can't beat me!"
                         

- GARY OAK -
Ash's rival.  Gary just happens to be even more arrogant than Ash, but he
can actually back it up more often than not.  You'll have two matches with
Gary in 1P Stadium.  He'll use the evolved forms of his original Pokémon the 
second time around, but it's a shame you can't do the same in 2P Stadium...

Pokémon:  Nidoran (female), Growlithe, Krabby
          Nidoqueen, Arcanine, Kingler (only in 1P Stadium)
 Select character: "I'm Gary!"
                   "I'm ready to go!"
                   "Let's do it!"
 Clear garbage   : "Keep on tryin'!"
 Make combo      : "Heh heh heh heh!"
 Win battle      : "Too good for ya?  Heh, I knew it."
 Win match       : "Heh heh heh heh!  Keep on tryin'!"


- BROCK -  
Leader of the Pewter City Gym.  He's a girl-crazy housekeeping kind of guy.
He also aspires to becomes the world's greatest Pokémon breeder, and is one
of the few that can actually eat Pokémon food without gagging.  ...Oh, and 
you should see him when he's wearing his trademark pink apron.

Pokémon:  Geodude, Vulpix, Zubat
 Select character: "I'm Brock!"
                   "Let's go!"
                   "Are you ready?"
 Clear garbage   : "No problem!"
 Make combo      : "Yeah!"
 Win battle      : "Ha ha!  We did it!"
 Win match       : "Yeah!  Ha ha ha ha!"

- MISTY -  
Leader of the Cerulean City Gym, alongside her three older sisters.  She
hopes to become the greatest Water Pokémon trainer around.  She decided to
follow Ash, and torment him until he paid her back for "borrowing" and then
destroying her bicycle.  She's obviously developed a secret crush on Ash,
but she'd never tell (and vice versa)...

Pokémon:  Staryu, Psyduck, Horsea
 Select character: "I'm Misty!"
                   "Are you ready?"
                   "Let's go!"
 Clear block     : "Good battle!"
 Make combo      : "Yay!"
 Win battle      : "All right, that's how to do it!"
 Win match       : "Hahahaha, we did it!"

- LT. SURGE -  
Leader of the Vermilion City Gym.  He's about ten feet tall, and he likes to
call anyone that loses to him "baby".  Sometimes, it's best not to ask.  Oh
yes, he likes Electric Pokémon.  His parents had foresight.

Pokémon:  Raichu, Jolteon, Magneton
 Select character: "I'm Lt. Surge!"
                   "Ready when you are!"
                   "Okay, baby!"
 Clear garbage   : "Playtime's over!"
 Make combo      : "Aw, poor baby!"
 Win battle      : "That's the finale, kid!"
 Win match       : "All right, that's the way!"


- ERIKA -  
Leader of the Celadon City Gym.  Arguably, she could be the most odorific
trainer ever.  She doesn't just like perfume, she LOVES it.  And one word of 
caution: don't diss her perfume, or you'll never get inside her gym.  Ouch.
She's awfully cute, so why would you want to get on her bad side?

Pokémon:  Tangela, Gloom, Weepinbell
 Select character: "I'm Erika!"
                   "Prepare to battle!"
                   "I'm ready!"
 Clear garbage   : "Give up?"
 Make combo      : "All right!"
 Win battle      : "Hahahaha, we did it!"
 Win match       : *laughs*  "That's how to do it!"


- KOGA -  
Leader of the Fuchsia City Gym.  He likes to dress up as a ninja and act all
spiritual and focused and stuff.  He likes poison-type Pokémon, so you'd
never get much of a challenge out of him, sadly enough.  (Apologies to all
the Poison-type fans out there, whoever you may be.)

Pokémon:  Venomoth, Voltorb, Golbat
 Select character: "I am Koga."
                   "Your skills need sharpening."
                   "Do you choose to battle me?"
 Clear garbage   : "We're not beat yet."
 Make combo      : "Work harder, young one."
 Win battle      : "Ha ha ha.  You are a worthy challenger."
 Win match       : "Haha, ha ha ha ha!  We did it!"


- SABRINA -  
Leader of the Saffron City Gym.  She's got that "evil" overtone about her,
as most psychics tend to get for some reason or another.  She enjoys turning
those that lose against her into dolls, and then going bowling with them.
(Or was that the little girl that did that?  Or was the little girl really
Sabrina?  Aw, heck, that was too confusing.)  But even for a sadistic
psychic insomniac, she's pretty darned cute.

Pokémon:  Abra, Hypno, Alakazam
 Select character: "I'm Sabrina."
                   "Play with me?"
                   "Play with me!"
 Clear garbage   : "You won't escape."
 Make combo      : "I told you so."
 Win battle      : "You're awesome."
 Win match       : "We did it!"  *laughs*


- BLAINE -
Leader of the Cinnabar Island Gym.  He pretends to be an enigmatic hippie
in order to lure potential trainers to his secret gym tucked away in the
island's volcano.  He also has a shiny, shiny head.
    
Pokémon:  Magmar, Arcanine, Charmeleon
 Select character: "I'm Blaine!"
                   "Red-hot and ready!"
                   "I love a puzzle!"
 Clear garbage   : "Oh, so close!"
 Make combo      : "When you're hot, you're hot!"
 Win battle      : "Ha ha, we did it!"
 Win match       : "We're burnin' up!"


- TEAM ROCKET -
Prepare for trouble, and make it double!
These three are always working for cash,
And trying to take Pikachu from Ash.
They've yet to make a successful scheme,
And it'll never happen in their wildest dream.
Jessie!  James!
Team Rocket, petty crooks by day and cross-dressers by night.
They talk real big, but they always lose the fight.
*audience snaps fingers*

Pokémon:  Arbok, Weezing, Golbat  (Golbat?  Why not Lickitung?...)
 Select character: "Jessie!"  "James!"  "Meowth, that's right!"
                   Jessie and Meowth- "Team Rocket!"  James- "Let's go!"
                   All- "Let's do it!"
 Clear garbage   : Jessie- *laughs*  James- "I'm feeling giddy!"
 Make combo      : James- *laughs*  Jessie- "Prepare for trouble!"
 Win battle      : All- "We did it!"  *they all laugh*
 Win match       : Jessie- "How do you like that?" James- "Not too bad." ->
                   Meowth- *laughs*

- TRACEY -
A Pokémon watcher, which I suppose is EXACTLY the same as a Pokémon artist.
He's a dull character, to say the least.  He basically replaced Brock as
Ash travelled through the Orange Islands.  Thank goodness they switched back
when Ash set off for Johto.

Pokémon:  Marill, Venonat, Scyther
 Select character: "I'm Tracey!"
                   "Ready to begin?"
                   "Let's get going!"
 Clear garbage   : "Go, go, GO!"
 Make combo      : "Oh man!"
 Win battle      : "Ha ha ha, we did it!"
 Win match       : "That was picture-perfect!"

- RITCHIE* - 
The Pokémon trainer that knocked Ash out of the Indigo League championship
and gave the kid a serious reality check.  He has a habit of giving his
non-evolved Pokémon some really queer names, and just to be different he
decided to be the only Puzzle League contender to nickname his Pokémon.
He's your first Elite League battle in 1P Stadium.

Pokémon:  Sparky (Pikachu), Happy (Butterfree), Zippo (Charmander)
 Select character: "I'm Ritchie!"
                   "Ready to battle?"
                   "I'm ready, are you?"
 Clear garbage   : "Don't give up!"
 Make combo      : "Who's the best?"
 Win battle      : "Whew!  Tough match!"
 Win match       : "Yes!  We did it!"

- GIOVANNI* -
The big, bad boss-man of Team Rocket.  His favorite pastimes are getting
rich and spending quality time with his favoritest persian.  His pet peeves
are Jessie, James, talking Meowths, and weird people that think he's Ash's
father.  Get your facts straight, people.

Pokémon:  Persian, Sandslash, Nidoking
 Select character: "I'm Giovanni."
                   "You will serve me."
                   "How good are you?"
 Clear garbage   : "The world will be mine!"
 Make combo      : "You're wasting my time!"
 Win battle      : "Hahahaha, Team Rocket rules!"
 Win match       : *laughs*  "We've done well."

- LORELEI* -  
Yep, this is the same Lorelei from the Elite Four.  You may know her in the
anime as Prima -- she had a cameo role in one of those episodes at some
point or another.  She really likes Water-types and specializes in Ice-types
as well.  Oh yeah, and she's SERIOUSLY HOT.  :)

Pokémon:  Cloyster, Poliwhirl, Dewgong
 Select character: "I'm Lorelei."
                   "Hiya, cutey!"
                   "Are you ready?"
 Clear garbage   : "Can't win 'em all."
 Make combo      : "I'm gonna take you down."
 Win battle      : "Learn from losing."  *laughs*
 Win match       : "Nice battling you."  *laughs*

- BRUNO* -
Another member of the Elite Four, he specializes in Fighting-type Pokémon.
He's another one of those "focused" trainers, much like Koga.

Pokémon:  Onix, Hitmonchan, Primeape
 Select character: "I'm Bruno."
                   "I'd sensed you'd come."
                   "Been training?"
 Clear garbage   : "Control your inner nature."
 Make combo      : "You've had it!"
 Win battle      : "We won!"
 Win match       : *laughs*  "We did it."

- MEWTWO** -    
Pokémon #150, Mewtwo is a genetically enhanced clone of Mew, the incredibly
rare 151st Pokémon.  If you've ever played someone in a Red/Blue/Yellow
link battle, you probably know the frustrating riggedness of Mewtwo in
battle.  As such, Mewtwo has become the "black sheep" of the Pokémon
community, and few will use him in a real team because they continually
contest about how cheap he is; anyone who dares to use Mewtwo in a team will
usually get flamed right off the bat.  Aside from all this, Mewtwo now 
moonlights as something special in this game...

Pokémon:  Clone 1 (Pikachu), Clone 2 (Bulbasaur), Clone 3 (Squirtle)
 Select character: "I'm Mewtwo."
                   "Ready to battle?"
 Clear garbage   : "I'm going to win."
 Create combo    : "Fool."
 Win battle      : "It is my destiny!"
 Win match       : "?"

NOTE:  Only Player 2 may play as Mewtwo, and only by using the secret code
listed way down below.

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III. GAME MODES
==============================================

 A. TRAINING AND OPTIONS
----------------------------------------------


- 1. Prof. Oak's Lab -------------------------

New to the game?  Feeling rusty?  Stop on by Prof. Oak's lab for a quick 
tutorial on playing Puzzle League.  He'll show you the basic controls, 
teach you about combos and chains, explain the Versus mode, and introduce 
you to the 3-D Cylinder field.  If you already know how to play, there's no
need to check this out.  But if you're one of those compulsive types that 
has to see EVERYTHING a game has to offer (myself included), then go for 
it.  It couldn't hurt.


- 2. Pokémon Center --------------------------

"Hi!  What can I do for you?"  Instead of healing your Pokémon, Nurse Joy is 
controlling the options menu in this game.


- 3. Mimic Mansion ---------------------------

   a. View Demo
---------------------

 In the View Demo mode, Tracey will show you some basic and advanced tricks
for forming combos and chains of varying difficulties.  There's nothing to
see here if you're already halfway decent at this game.

   b. Mimic Mode
---------------------

 Same as View Demo, but Tracey will let you attempt to copy his movements, 
so you can feel like you did something really cool, all by yourself. 
Nothing like instant gratification, eh?

   c. Super Easy
---------------------

 This is the slowest "action" puzzle game you will ever experience.  No 
exaggeration.  Pick either the 2D or 3D field, and have at it.  The game
engine's speed is reduced to less than half of your typical Easy mode's.
Blocks will disappear and fall VERY slowly, and the stack will rise so 
slowly you might not even need to pause it that much.  The speed level will
NEVER break 1.  so don't worry about suddenly losing your Stop and having 
the stack shoot up to the ceiling.

 If you're bored, try out the 3-D Super Easy mode and see how long a chain 
you can make.  My record currently stands at 28x, but maybe you could do 
better?  (Well, maybe not.  That chain cleared all but a few blocks from a
FULL cylinder.  Maybe if you didn't get any combos, you could extend it?)


 B. MODES OF PLAY
----------------------------------------------

- 1. Marathon --------------------------------

The basic mode of play.  Keep on clearing panels until the stack finally
hits the top or you collapse from exhaustion.  The object is to get as high
a score as possible.  Make combos and chains to freeze the stack for a few 
seconds time; you'll NEED to do this once the speed level gets high enough.

You can play the Marathon in either 2D or 3D mode.


- 2. Time Zone -------------------------------

Marathon with a time limit.  You have two minutes to rack up as many points
as humanly possible.  Get lots of huge combos and long chains for the high-
est scores.

Like Marathon, this can be played in both 2D and 3D modes.


- 3. Spa Service -----------------------------

Once again, it's time for you to prepare for trouble and make it double.
Team Rocket has set a trap and it's up to you to beat them...  by clearing
panels from your field.  I know, the premise is a little odd, but you get
to see tons of neat-o backgrounds featuring the various disguises that
Team Rocket wears!  (Seriously, the artwork in this game is pretty goofy,
but at least you don't have to see Ash make his trademark "Duhhh..." face.)

This mode is divided into stages.  To clear each stage, you must eliminate
all the panels above the Clear Line, which will eventually appear as you 
advance the stack.  Once there are no more panels above the Clear Line, you
move on to the next stage.  Your objective, surprisingly enough, is to 
clear all the stages.

There are six stages divided into five levels each.


- 4. Puzzle University -----------------------

Here, the premise is not speed, but strategy.  You are given a set pattern
of panels, and a set number of moves you can make with them.  Your goal is
to eliminate all the panels on the screen using the amount of moves you are
given.  If you duff a puzzle, don't worry; you can always replay it.  The
puzzles get harder and harder as you progress through the stages, so be
prepared for some guaranteed frustration.

Puzzle University is divided into three separate classes.  Finish all the
puzzles in a class to earn a diploma and move on to the next class.

CLASS 1
30 regular puzzles

CLASS 2
30 regular puzzles
10 3-D puzzles
10 action puzzles

CLASS 3
30 regular puzzles
10 3-D puzzles
10 action puzzles

This is a VERY useful tool for learning how to create odd-shaped combos and
multiple chains, so don't just take it for granted; why do you think it's
called the Puzzle "University"?  There is also a second set of puzzles you
can challenge after finishing all three classes...

Puzzle solutions coming soon.


- 5. 1P Stadium ------------------------------

Prepare to realize your mortality.  In the Stadium, you'll go up against
multiple CPU opponents in the wild and crazy Versus Mode.  Unfortunately,
you're forced to play through the whole thing as Ash.  Oh well, gotta take
the bad with the good, I guess.

You can play on EASY, NORMAL or HARD modes.  To unlock the super-secret
VERY HARD and SUPER HARD modes, look down for the code.

Here are the opponent sequences for each difficulty level:

 -EASY: 11 Stages-
   Gary, Brock, Misty, Lt. Surge, Erika, Koga, Sabrina, Blaine, Tracey,
   Team Rocket, Giovanni.

 -NORMAL: 14 Stages-
   EASY stages, followed by Ritchie, Lorelei, and Bruno.
 
 -HARD: 15 Stages-
   NORMAL stages, followed by a rematch with Gary.

 -VERY HARD: 16 Stages-
   HARD stages, followed by a special battle with Mewtwo.

 -SUPER HARD: 16 Stages-
   Same as VERY HARD.

Notice that the AI has been vastly improved from previous Panel de Pon
spinoffs.  The CPU opponents will now clear garbage and line up panels
underneath to form "garbage chains," which is quite a nasty technique to
know for Versus Mode.  So be warned.  

Your best strategy would be to dump a massive load of combo garbage 
intermingled with some chain garbage of medium to large thickness.  If
possible, throw in some metal garbage blocks to really screw them over.
The only way you can possibly clench a premature victory in this game is to 
fill an opponent's screen with so much garbage that they can no longer clear
anything.

TAKE NOTE that if you lose to Mewtwo, you must defeat Stage 15 (rematch with
Gary) before you can challenge Mewtwo again.

One final note:  You can only play in 2D mode, due to the restrictions put
on the AI in 3D mode.  (Check the manual; it says that the AI level will
always be the same in 3D mode.  So, what would be the point of having 
progressing levels if they never get harder?)


- 6. 2P Stadium ------------------------------

After reading that above section, you could probably deduce what this is.
Instead of going up against a vast array of CPU opponents, you now get to 
fight against another human being to see just which one of you rocks harder.  
The same rules apply: trounce your opponent enough times to win the match.

In 2P Stadium, you can choose to battle it out in a duel in one of three
familiar modes:  2P Versus, Time Zone, or Spa Service.

 - In 2P Versus, whoever hits the top first loses the match.  This is the
 only mode that lets you attack your opponent.  There is no handicap, though
 in all three modes you can still set the difficulty level for both players.

 - In Time Zone, you both get 2 minutes to rack up as many points as you
 can.  The higher score wins.  If your stack hits the top, you lose.  If you
 wish, you can add points to a side with the handicap feature.

 - In Spa Service, the first one to clear all the blocks above the clear
 line is the victor.  Again, hitting the top is an instant KO for you.  The
 handicap lets you set the clear line higher or lower than normal.

What's great about this game mode is you get to customize the battles to
your liking.  You can pick from a truckload of characters from the Pokémon
anime, and use their Pokémon to battle.  And, yes, you can play in both 2D
and 3D mode.


----------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------


IV. SECRET CODES
==============================================

WARNING!!!  MAJOR SPOILERS BEYOND THIS POINT!  

If you want to discover these five codes from yourself, don't read any 
further!


 A. MARATHON: Increase Max Speed
----------------------------------------------

You receive this code after scoring very high on Marathon mode and winning
an Endurance Medal.

On the Puzzle League title screen, hold down Z and pres B, A, L, L on the
controller.  Now whenever you play Marathon, the speed will increase all the
way to 99 instead of capping at 50.  

In this game, a speed of 99 is BLAZINGLY fast, so be prepared to call out 
Jigglypuff frequently.


 B. 1P STADIUM: Very Hard Mode
----------------------------------------------

You will get this code after finishing the Hard mode.

On the 1P Stadium difficulty select screen, hold Z and tap L-L-A-B on the
controller.  You can now select the Very Hard difficulty.  

Do NOT attempt this UNLESS you can clear Hard mode without difficulty.
Otherwise, you WILL get your head handed to you on a plate.  I'm serious.
Without the proper training, you will be yanking out locks of hair for
hours on end.  You will lie awake at night, wondering how the CPU could
possibly be so cheap.  You will be at your wit's end.  You WILL go insane.

...Don't give me that look!!  If you think you're so special, go ahead and
TRY IT.  Just don't come crying to me when you break your controller in a
fit of rage.


 C. 1P STADIUM: Super Hard Mode
----------------------------------------------

You will get this code after finishing the Very Hard mode.

On the 1P Stadium difficulty select screen, hold Z and tap R-L-A-B on the
controller.  You can now select the Super Hard difficulty.  

You thought Very Hard mode was evil?  Wait until you get a load of this.
Satan himself obviously laid his ugly hand on the AI for Super Hard mode.
Even for a veteran like me, it takes twenty-something continues to clear
this mode.  My best advice is to attack with as large a chain as you
possibly can as soon as a match starts.  Most of the time, you can beat your
opponent in under half a minute; otherwise, prepare for a long and ardurous
match.


 D. 2P STADIUM: Access Secret Characters
----------------------------------------------

To play as any of the aforementioned characters in the 2P Stadium, you'll
need two controllers, and either a friend or some VERY flexible joints.

Hold down the Z button on both controllers, then press the L and R buttons
on both controllers at the same time.  If your timing is right, you'll be 
permanently allowed to access the secret characters.


 E. 2P STADIUM: Play Mewtwo Stage
----------------------------------------------

If you actually manage to finish Super Hard mode in 1P Stadium, you will
receive this code.  Fortunately, the game is nice and also calls you a 
Puzzle Master.  I guess that's to replace the self-esteem you lost after
getting horribly thrashed multiple times.

On the 2P character select screen, hold down the Z button and enter the
following on the controller: B, Up, L, B, A, Start, A, Up, R.  (Notice how
it spells out BULBASAUR.  Nifty.)  You'll be whisked away to the Mewtwo
stage, with player 1 controlling Ash and player 2 controlling Mewtwo.

Now, this is awesome.  Mewtwo just plain rocks as a character.  Philip
Bartlett had better be getting paid some MAJOR royalty fees for this.


----------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------


V. ET CETERA
==============================================


 A. REVISION HISTORY
----------------------------------------------

Rev. 1.1.0 -- February 4, 2000
- Been a looong while since the last update.  Um... please don't hurt me?
No, seriously, I've been busy with other things.  But as my senior year in
high school winds down, I think I'll be able to devote more time to the
things I enjoy once again.
- Fixed a typo in the Super Hard mode code.
- Finished the rest of the character bios.
- Fixed some little typos here and there.
- There isn't much else to put in this guide, other than maybe the puzzle
solutions...  I finally figured out an easy

Rev. 1.0.0 -- October 18, 2000
- I finally got Puzzle League!  And I'm lazy!  Sorry for the painfully long 
delay since the last update.  I'll do better.  (Note that I actually got
Puzzle League on October 4th.)
- Threw in a new Secret Codes section, since there's quite a few of them.
- Added Mimic Mansion info.
- Added some more Puzzle University info.
- Beginning to add some miniature character bios to the Character List.
- Various other tidbits.

Rev. 0.3.0 -- October 2, 2000
- First of all, thanks go to Darcon and RAPJR11 for some major data,
especially the character voice list and the two special codes.  *salutes*
- Added a special code to the 1P Stadium and 2P Stadium sections.
- Corrected and filled in all the voice info in the Character List.
- Spruced up the Versus Mode section.  Now it's a LOT easier to read.
- Added info about the useful TIME BUFFER in Versus Mode.
- Fixed a few dumb little typos here and there.
- I STILL don't have Puzzle League, but on the other hand, the day isn't
over yet...  Come on, Dad, where are you??

Rev. 0.2.0 -- September 30, 2000
- NOA decided to be sneaky and release Puzzle league on September 25th
instead of the 27th.  I should be getting the game by this weekend. Expect 
MAJOR updates come next Monday, October 2.
- Added Character List.
- Added Types of Play.  Subsequently shifted Versus Mode info.
- Ripped out the FAQ section.  It's not going back in unless people
SEND ME SOME QUESTIONS!!!  I can't emphasize that enough.
- Other little odds and ends.

Rev. 0.1.0 -- September 22, 2000
- Pre-release information on Puzzle League.  Obviously, this guide is 
nowhere near complete.


 B. THANKS
----------------------------------------------

For lack of a better term, "props" to the following:

- Nintendo
 > for actually making this game in the first place.

- All the regulars at the RPGamer Pokémon Forum
 > for being very cool to hang with.  Word.

- Jeremy Parish (aka Toasyfrog)
 > for inspiring this FAQ format.  He used to have a 1337 Chrono Cross FAQ
 that was awfully popular, but he hates himself so he discontinued it.

- Patrick Clancy (aka Darcon)
 > for compiling a list of character voices.
 > for listing the battle sequences for 1P Stadium.
 > for providing the Secret Characters code.

- Richard Price Jr. (aka RAPJR11)
 > for revealing that the Spa Service houses both 2D and 3D levels.
 > for explaining some of the features of Puzzle University.
 > for providing the 1P Stadium Very Hard Mode code.

- Anyone I was dumb enough not to mention
 > for giving me the same information I already discovered, but thanks
 for your time and effort anyway.


 C. LEGAL STUFF AND CONCLUSION
----------------------------------------------

Pokémon Puzzle League is the property of Nintendo Co., Ltd. and is licensed
by Nintendo of America in the USA.
(C) and (tm) 2000 Nintendo/Intelligent Systems.  
Pokémon is (C) and (tm) 1995~2001 Nintendo/Creatures/GAME FREAK.

This FAQ is (C) 2000~2001 David Zielinski AKA DizzyBum.  The text within 
this document may not be changed or extracted in any way, shape, or form
without my personal consent.  This guide is not intended for commercial
purposes, so please notify me if someone is attempting to make a profit off
my hard work.  You may freely distribute this guide as a whole, as long as
none of the original file is edited in any way.

Thanks for your time.  If you have any questions or comments, feel free to
e-mail me at [email protected].

Ciao all.