Lumines is a puzzle game in which blocks that usually have two different patterns fall. The goal is to make 2×2 or larger squares, all the same color or pattern. During the game the timeline extends to the rhythm of the music and clears the squares that have formed. To be successful, players must form squares and combine them, creating increasingly larger squares to achieve combos and earn more points. Takashi Ishihara, director of Lumines Arise, calls it a «very calm» puzzle game.
The big novelty of Lumines Arise at the playable level is the Burst mechanic. As the game progresses, an indicator that appears above the timeline loads. When the player is ready, they can tap a button to initiate the Burst and block a square formed in the play area. You have to make the square as big as possible before time runs out so that the combos empty the screen. This is a way to earn a lot of points, which is useful in all game modes.
The main solo mode in Lumines Arise is Journey, which proposes a journey through 35 stages with different visual designs and music. Anyone who wants to refresh the mechanics, perfect their skills or learn what's new can take a look at the 60 training missions with repetitive scenarios. In the same mission center there are also 25 challenges that according to Ishihara «are somewhat similar to different solo game modes.» The basic mechanics are those of Lumines, but with a twist.
Lumines Arise also features a multiplayer hub that offers different ways to compete on the leaderboards. In addition, we have a Burst Battle mode, which proposes a confrontation in which players can send garbage blocks to attack their rival; Quick Burst mode, which is an arcade challenge to create the biggest solo Burst match; a new game mode called Dig Down, in which the pile at the bottom of the environment keeps going up and you have to lower it as quickly as possible, and the classic Time Attack.
Lumines Arise's soundtrack is provided by Hydelic, the composer of Tetris Effect: Connected and Rez Infinite Area X.