PAX 2007 Preview
Recently released on the PSP and NDS,
Puzzle Quest is an addictive and intriguing take on the classic puzzle game
Bejeweled, taking the well known puzzle elements and adding an interesting RPG
take on the formula. The games storyline follows a sense of unease that
overtakes a kingdom. Umm, ok, so that probably sounds a bit on the ambiguous
side, but rest assured that the story mode will boast a good 300 to 400 hours of
gameplay. Not only will it offer a huge and robust story mode, but it will also
have some great online play for those who wish to play over Xbox Live. Puzzle
fans should be ready for this innovative take on the genre, which launches this
fall.
The quest unfolds from an overview
map that allows you to travel from one point to another, taking on any enemies
that you encounter. When starting the game, you can play as a one of several
different classes taken from traditional RPGs, like a warrior, mage, or a druid.
Each character class has its own attributes and special abilities that help them
in their battles.
The battle system works just like
Bejeweled, meaning that you gain points by shifting jewels on-screen and
matching at least three of them. Matching the same color jewel will not only
knock your enemy down a bit, but will also give you mana, which will let you
perform certain special abilities depending on your class. These abilities will
take your opponent’s hit points down, or could strip him of a turn, and so on.
Getting four of a kind will also negate your enemy’s turn and jump right back to
you. You also have an inventory where you can equip and use certain items that
have different effects on the outcome of the battle.
Graphically, the game is right on
par with other Xbox Live Arcade puzzle games, meaning that it features sharp
high-def sprites and some modest special effects.
Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the
Warlords should be a fun Xbox Live Arcade game with some truly innovative
elements that puzzle fans shouldn’t miss out on. Look for it to release early
this fall.
