Quite a Gem- Puzzle Quest 2 Review

Over the years, Bejeweled has become unavoidably ubiquitous. Originally released as a browser game in 2001, the diversion has been ported to nearly every contemporary computer, console, portable and cell phone, even making an appearance inside of World of Warcraft. The title has also spurred a multitude of match-three brethren, each adding a slight deviation to the formula, in an effort to simultaneously attract players and avoid lawsuits. Indisputably, the most successful divergence of Bejeweled‘s gameplay was found in 2007’s Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlords– a game which skillfully reinvigorated the aging jewel-swapping mechanics.

By incorporating the familiar match-three mechanic as a method to resolve combat, Puzzle Quest‘s amalgam of puzzling and simplified role-playing captured the attention of gamers across the globe. Like Bejeweled, the title inspired a string of imitators (and a space-themed sequel) which used variations of Reversi and Hexic to settle skirmishes. Unfortunately, none of these deviations were able to match the sheer addictiveness of Challenge of the Warlords. With the release of Puzzle Quest 2, gamers finally have a true sequel to sink their leisure hours into.

While the title is similar enough to its predecessor so that Puzzle Quest veterans may jump right in, there are a number of notable differences. Although the first game allowed players to collect weapons and armor for slight offensive and defensive bonuses, the sequel cleverly supplements these items. Now, players must match three gauntlet icons to fill an attack gauge, before letting loose with a devastating  melee strike. While it initially feels unnatural to neglect an obvious triple skull match, hitting an opponents with a multi-turn assault is an effortless way to win a match. To further expand the breadth of Puzzle Quest 2‘s combat, the game now has four characters classes which necessitate different conflict styles. Playing through the game as a Barbarian, Assassin, Sorcerer and Templar offered divergent skills sets; since players are only allowed to take five abilities into battles, it’s possible for players to have wildly different play experiences.

Beyond making mincemeat out of a continual succession of seventy different types of monsters, players are also presented with a number of other tasks to offset tedium. Subtle variations to the match-three mechanics are introduced when players are looting treasure, lockpicking, or scouring a room for secrets. Gone are the exasperating timed minigames of Puzzle Quest: Galactrix; now each activity is turn based, allowing gamers to strategically plan each move.

Puzzle Quest 2‘s downsides are remarkably few. The game’s overworlds now employ an attractive isometric view, while the game’s clashes retain the original game’s character portraits along with stirring spell effects. Unfortunately, the title’s storyline isn’t as adept at absorbing players- conversations typically revolve around NPC asking for assistance with items or unruly monsters. Absent are some of the first game’s complexities- everything from laying siege to cities, capturing mounts, and forging new items has been purge in an effort to make the game more user-friendly. Armchair strategists like myself will likely bemoan the simplification.

After multiple crusades with Challenge of the Warlords, I thought my yearning for gem-swamping combat was completely quenched. Yet, Puzzle Quest 2‘s additions and changes were strong enough to revoke any fatigue; within an hour immersion had took hold. Considering the title’s price point, and its twenty (or so) hours of gratification, Puzzle Quest 2 may be one of the best gaming deals of the Summer.