Loopz (USA) (Proto)

Loopz is a puzzle game originally designed and programmed by Ian Upton for the Atari ST in 1989. It was picked up by Audiogenic, who arranged for Mindscape to publish it on computers and consoles in 1990. This particular build is a prototype for the ATARI Lynx, meaning it's an early, unfinished version of the handheld port that never saw a full retail release.

The core gameplay revolves around dropping pieces onto a grid to form closed loops. Once a loop is completed, those blocks disappear and score points, often triggering chain reactions as new blocks fall. The challenge comes from managing the increasing speed and the limited space, requiring foresight to set up cascading clears.

For collectors and puzzle fans, this prototype offers a rare look at how an established puzzle concept was adapted for a handheld system. It's a straightforward, no-frills take on the loop-forming idea, similar in spirit to early falling-block games but with its own twist. If you enjoy retro puzzle titles that emphasize pattern recognition and planning, this proto is worth a try for its historical curiosity.