https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L-r0O5mTjeg

‘Peggle 2’ a manic burst of color, fun

There’s probably no greater praise than saying you can’t stop playing a particular game. Whether it’s because it’s just that good or because you are this close to finishing a level, the particulars don’t really matter. When it comes to “Peggle 2,” though, the sequel to the immensely popular 2007 game “Peggle,” it’s a little of bit of everything, plus the undeniable desire to perfect every single level.

If you’re looking for a game in the Xbox Arcade that will make you smile while agitating the completionist inside of you, you’ll do no better than “Peggle 2.” That may have something to do with simple yet well-executed game design and easy-to-use game mechanics. Or seeing a snowman-like creature twerking when you achieve Extreme Fever. Either/or, really.

Building off the success of “Peggle,” the sequel doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel. It does what it does best, which is firing balls out of a cannon at the top of the screen at the brightly colored pegs below, and simply adds a few new elements. A total of 120 boards are available for you to complete — 60 are part of the main game, while the other half are challenge maps. Each map also comes with three optional objectives for you to do (such as reaching certain high scores or clearing all the pegs), which further extends the playing value of the game. Not bad for $12, right?

The biggest addition to this game, though, is the addition of four new Peggle Masters, who join the unicorn Bjorn and his Super Guide power. Each of the new masters has a special ability to aid you to complete the boards. From Jeffrey’s giant pep-crushing boulder to Gnorman’s electrifying lightning, you’ll quickly learn which ones will help you achieve your goals.

As for the online component, you have two choice: the Peg Party and Duel mode.

The Peg Party pits up to four of you against each other. The goal is to get the best score on your board while your opponents do the same on identical boards. It’s exciting, and sometimes frustrating, to see how other players tackle the challenge as you.

The Dual mode is just like it sounds: You go up head-to-head against another player, both of you on the same board trying to get the best score before you run out of balls.

A couple of downers to mention in all this chaotic fun: For one, prepare to clean out the Xbox One’s GameDVR. “Peggle 2” has a nasty penchant for recording all sorts of nonsense, most of which is completely useless. For the online gamers, there’s no local console play or leaderboards, though that may change with DLC.

In the end, “Peggle 2” is this insanely addictive burst of colorful fun. You’ve find yourself hard-pressed to put the controller down (or your arms, if you’re playing with the Kinect). So if you find yourself in the wee hours of the morning struggling to get that last objective, it’s OK: You’ll find me in multiplayer if you need to take a break.

Four butt-shaking stars out of five.

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Above, a scene from “Peggle 2.” (Photo credit: PopCap Games)