New Cross Pang (set 1)

In New Cross Pang, players cooperate to defend an ancient kingdom from a sudden invasion of colorful toadstool beads. The game presents a puzzle challenge where players must strategically group four beads of the same color together to make them disappear and advance through stages. Progressing past each stage requires repeatedly eliminating these groups, ultimately aiming to reach the 50th stage and complete the game. Players use three buttons to manipulate the falling beads: one to catch and position the beads, another to clear all instances of a single color from the screen when the bead pile threatens to overwhelm the playfield, and a third to temporarily speed up the descent of the beads. Failure occurs if the beads reach the ceiling for too long, ending the game immediately. Released in 1999 by F2 System, New Cross Pang is the second installment in the Cross Pang series and offers a unique cooperative puzzle experience for two players.