If you weren't around for
Pipe Mania's initial release in 1989, you will most likely recognize it as the hacking mini-game from last year's
Bioshock. Ooze (or objects like trains in later levels) flows from a start point and it is your job to get it to the end point before the time limit expires. You are given a handful of pipes, including bends, straights and pumps, and need to fit them together without allowing too much to spill out. Laying down vast networks of pipes will also net your higher scores.
Gameplay is spread between several play modes. The most prominent is World, where you are trying to take over the family plumbing business. The story isn't that deep or complex and mainly serves as a way to ship you around to the game's seven locales. Each location is further split up into eight sections, ensuring that you'll have a lot to keep your occupied. Each section is capped by a battle with a rival plumber. During battles, you are still trying to complete a circuit of pipe, but you also need to deal with attacks that the boss will lob your way.
The battle mechanic is also present in one of the game's Versus Modes. During play, you can work to charge an attack meter that, when filled, allows you to toss attacks at your opponent. The other competitive modes revolve mostly around timed modes, but are incredibly fun. The best part is that Pipe Mania features support for the PSP's Game Share, so two players can compete with one disc. It may not sound like much, but it's a useful feature; after playing one mode, a student of mine ran out to find the game in stores. Hopefully stories like this will encourage other developers to "get with the program" and offer similar support.
