Palamedes (Japan) is a fast-paced puzzle game released for the Game Boy in 1990. Originally an arcade title, this portable version challenges players to clear descending lines of dice by matching numbers. Instead of the typical color or shape-matching mechanics seen in other puzzle games of the era, you must cycle through numbers on your own die and shoot them upward to eliminate matching targets before they reach the bottom of the screen.
How to Play
Your objective is to survive as long as possible by clearing the advancing lines of dice. As you eliminate matches, the captured dice form a “hand” at the bottom of the screen. Matching specific combinations, like three of a kind or a straight sequence, allows you to clear multiple rows at once. Use the Arrow Keys (D-pad) to move left and right. Press X (A button) to throw your die and capture a match, and use Z (B button) to cycle your die’s number from 1 through 6. When you have built a strong hand, press Down to activate it and push the descending lines back up.
Tips
- Use downtime efficiently: You can change your die’s number while a line is being removed. Use these brief moments to prepare your next shot before the lines start moving again.
- Aim for larger combos: While simple three-of-a-kind hands clear a single line, building a straight from 1 to 6 or getting multiple pairs can clear up to five lines at once.
- Don’t get greedy: Advanced hands are great for clearing out space, but holding out too long for a perfect sequence can let the dice reach the bottom, resulting in an instant game over.
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