After releasing the super popular, yet slightly broken Street Fighter II for Xbox Live Arcade, Capcom returns to the downloading arena with Super Puzzle Fighter II Turbo HD Remix. Like previous incarnations on PlayStation, Sega Saturn and Game Boy Advance, Puzzle Fighter stays true to its simplistic yet volatile nature. You build up block formations using gems and then break them apart with the appropriately-colored powered counter gems. However, some strategy comes into play. The more blocks eliminated from the playfield, the more that build up on your opponent's side. Put together a devastating combo that nearly clears the screen and your virtual fighting character can wipe them out with one explosive super move.

Players have the option of going right into an arcade match or trying out one of the new sub-modes, labeled X, Y and Z. There are alternate rules for each match, such as how gems get stacked and removed from the screen. They seem to exist more for novelty rather than overall change to the game, which is just fine with us. Those who want to give them a try won't be disappointed. In fact, don't be surprised if one of these new modes soon becomes a personal favorite.

In addition, the graphics were touched up to fit the high-definition display. The super-deformed characters still look about the same and provide fun comic energy. However, the visuals do appear brighter and the new explosion effects bring vibrancy to the screen. The music is a fun collection of remixed Capcom tunes from previous games, such as Darkstalkers and Street Fighter. The sound effects work nicely, particularly Dan and his useless battle cries. "Yo-ya-hoooooo!"

Puzzle Fighter HD can be played off-line, but the real joy comes from going online, where you challenge players the world over. The game runs smoothly for the most part, with only the occasional lag here and there.

Best of all, Puzzle Fighter HD costs a mere 800 points -- only ten bucks. That's a phenomenal deal, especially considering how high in price the other versions currently go for on Ebay. Buy it now.