I don't like how broad the term "puzzle game" is. When I hear "puzzle game" I think of something slower-paced that lets me take my time, to decipher clues or discover how to progress further. That can't be said about games where the main goal is to rapidly stack blocks or blobs to not only stay alive, but also get a massive combo and the highest possible score.
At the same time, when my bias is put aside, those games would still count as "puzzle games", wouldn't they? You can't just stack the blocks willy-nilly, nor can you rapidly clear them if you want a high score. You have to set them up in a way that can develop a combo in the first place, so it does take some deduction as to where you put them. You're just also put on the clock to do it as well.
Potentially related note: I still stink at Meteos!
At the same time, when my bias is put aside, those games would still count as "puzzle games", wouldn't they? You can't just stack the blocks willy-nilly, nor can you rapidly clear them if you want a high score. You have to set them up in a way that can develop a combo in the first place, so it does take some deduction as to where you put them. You're just also put on the clock to do it as well.
Potentially related note: I still stink at Meteos!