Classic Games Database
ClassicGames DB

Pipe Dream

Review
Also known as
Pipe Mania!! Pipemania パイプドリーム

Connect random pipe pieces to guide the flow of flooz across each puzzle grid.

Pipe Dream (NES) was released in North America in 1990 by Bullet-Proof Software; the original game debuted in 1989 as an arcade title by Video System.

About Pipe Dream

Pipe Dream is an abstract puzzle game where players construct a network to guide a substance called flooz. The flooz begins at a random point on the grid, and players have a brief period to place pipe segments before it starts flowing.

Seven types of pipe pieces are available in random order, including straight sections, corners, and crossovers. These can be placed anywhere, and each piece can accept the flooz from either connecting side. The flow stops if it encounters a gap or an incompatible connection. A challenging aspect is completing long arrangements while a single missing piece remains. Players may replace an already-placed piece, incurring a small point reduction.

Scoring bonuses are achieved by routing the flooz through both passages of at least five crossover pieces or through every grid square. Level progression introduces obstacles like blocked squares and side-wall gaps that allow the flooz to wrap to the opposite screen edge. After every fourth level, a bonus round for points restricts piece placement to the lowest open space in each column.

Pipe Dream Screenshots

7 images
Bullet-Proof Software logo
Lucasfilm logo
Title screen
Building pipes
Earn bonus points for water that loops over itself
The bonus round
Running out of space