All right, I think it'd be good if we put together some tips for playing pop-pop. Let's develop this game to an art!
I'll put a few out there.
()Remember that the magnet can be used not only to bring the ball to your paddle, but also simply towards it. You have the power to change the ball's direction mid-flight.
()Know your pop and how to use it best! For Bombastic, the most effective way is to be a 'bomb whore' (to use thrawn's term) and do a bunch of 'em in a row. For Ducky, you need huge amounts of ducks to be effective; for Ioni, it might be good to do two at once; Mini-T, keep him blowing (no joking now) through the whole game, not just occasionally (though a tester informed me that using Mini-T is considered a little cheap, and understandably so); For Tex, three at a time is deadly; etc.
()In addition, know how to counter certain pop's attacks - for Bombastic, for example, it's easiest to use the magnet and hold the ball while you catch the bombs, if necessary.
()Think of how you're going to play the game. The main idea is either: a) play offensively, trying to get the other player to lose, thinking of them more than of yourself, or play defensively, just focus on surviving - attacks take second place. Either of these methods can be effective, since really to win all you have to do is not lose. Find out which is best for you.
()Keep the columns even! Remember, if you're focusing on the left side of the arena and the far-right column comes creeping down without your noticing, you're toast. Keep all of them short, don't stick to one area.
()If necessary, use the magnet while avoiding negative power-ups so that the ball doesn't hit the back wall.
()When you have the super-smash power-up (the green circle and dot), press the fire button before the ball hits your paddle - if you don't, the maximum you can destroy with it is two columns. If you use it right, you can get rid of almost all the blocks in the arena, and send them over to the opponent.
()Know not only how to use the magnet, but when to use it, too. You might not want to lose the bricks you've collected to send over to the opponent - play risky, as your reflexes and amount of time left allow - don't be too eager with the magnet.
(*)Be sure to make an effort to hit multiple blocks if you've got some hollow or flashing blocks on the arena that you can get - remember, they get sent back to your opponent as metal blocks. Don't miss your chance.
Any other tips you folks can think of?
------------------
Only two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former. -Albert Einstein