Pretty Girls Rivers is a casual puzzle game available on PS5 that centers on tile matching mechanics inspired by mahjong solitaire. Players clear layouts of revealed tiles by pairing identical designs under specific connection rules, all while progressing through stages that reward visual unlocks for six female characters.
Gameplay
The core loop involves selecting pairs of matching tiles on a flat, fully visible grid. Pairs must either sit adjacent or connect via a path with no more than two bends. Clearing every tile on a field completes the round. Layouts change with each attempt, encouraging repeated plays for better results. Quick successive matches build combos that boost scores in the standard difficulty setting. Obstacles appear in the form of tile arrangements that can trap players if pairs are removed in the wrong order.
Progression ties directly to outfit reveals. Every four fields cleared for a character unlocks a new costume ranging from casual to more revealing styles. The six companions each feature Japanese voice lines during play. An enhanced dressing room lets players view unlocked outfits, adjust expressions, and arrange dioramas with different backgrounds at any time.
Game Modes
Normal mode imposes a time limit on each field. Success here depends on efficient pairing order and maintaining combos for higher scores. Easy mode removes the timer entirely and adds assists including hints that highlight valid pairs and limited shuffles to rearrange tiles. Both modes support the same stage content, allowing players to choose based on preference for challenge or relaxation.
Stages feature dozens of unique tile patterns across the six characters. Each character's content breaks into multiple rounds, with the final round in a set typically triggering the outfit unlock. No additional modes or variations exist beyond these two difficulty options.
Visuals and Presentation
The game emphasizes its anime-style character art and costume variety as the main draw alongside the puzzle action. All tiles display clearly without hidden stacks, which simplifies planning compared to traditional mahjong solitaire. Voice work remains limited to short lines per character. The dressing room serves as the primary post-unlock activity, offering customization options for viewing the collected outfits.
Is It Worth Playing?
Pretty Girls Rivers suits players seeking a straightforward, short casual puzzle experience on PS5. The tile matching rules prove easy to grasp yet require careful planning to avoid dead ends. Completion typically takes under two hours for the main content, with an easy path to the platinum trophy by clearing the majority of stages. Reception highlights the simplicity and quick session length as strengths for trophy hunters or those wanting light puzzle sessions with visual rewards. Those looking for deeper mechanics, longer campaigns, or extensive variety may find the content limited after the initial playthrough. The cross-buy nature provides both PS4 and PS5 versions with a single purchase, adding value for collectors of the series.
