Peggle

Peggle is a puzzle video game developed by PopCap Games and released in 2007. It gained popularity for its simple, accessible mechanics and colorful, whimsical visuals. The title has been released on multiple platforms, including PC, Mac, Xbox Live Arcade, iOS, Android, and Nintendo DS, and has become a staple of casual gaming.

Gameplay centers on aiming and shooting a ball from a cannon into a field of pegs arranged in various formations. The ball bounces around the board, ricocheting off pegs, walls, and obstacles, and removes pegs on contact. Players earn points for peg hits, with orange pegs acting as high-value targets and producing bonus points. Each round provides a fixed number of shots, and players try to clear as many pegs as possible within those shots, while maximizing score through combo chains and special targets.

The game features Peggle Masters, characters whose unique abilities influence shots and outcomes on a level. Choosing a master adds a strategic layer, as each ability can increase the likelihood of striking pegs or triggering chain reactions.

Modes and progression include a campaign-like Adventure mode guiding players through a series of levels, along with Quick Play, Challenges, and multiplayer Duel in various releases. Peggle Nights introduced new levels and a new master, and Peggle 2, released in 2013, added updated graphics and cross-platform play.

Development and reception: Peggle was developed by PopCap and published by Electronic Arts after EA acquired PopCap in 2011. It received widespread praise for its charming presentation, approachable rules, and addictive gameplay, leading to multiple sequels and spin-offs and a lasting impact on casual puzzle gaming.