Video Game Review: ‘Puzzle Quest 2’ Provides Perfect Summer Addiction

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Video Game Rating: 4.5/5.0

CHICAGO – If you’ve ever played a solitaire matching game online like “Bejeweled Blitz” or “Chuzzle” then you’ll be familiar with the basic structure of D3’s remarkably addictive “Puzzle Quest 2,” now available on Xbox Live Arcade and for the Nintendo DS. And if you’ve ever been addicted to one of those popular solitaire matching games, clear your schedule and tell your friends that you’re going to be busy for a while. This is the best game of its kind in a long time.

Millions of players marveled at the fusion of solitaire puzzle-solving and role-playing in the excellent and wildly addictive “Puzzle Quest” in 2007. Since then, there have been several imitators and even a semi-successful sequel called “Puzzle Quest: Galactrix” but now we finally have a true sequel in “Puzzle Quest 2,” available for the Nintendo DS and Xbox 360 through the Xbox Live Arcade.

Puzzle Quest 2
Photo credit: D3

The basic structure of the “Puzzle Quest” experience hasn’t changed much. The player “fights” enemies by competing against them in a turn-by-turn system across a board of colored gems. In combat, there are seven varieties - red, yellow, blue, green, purple, gauntlets, and skulls. The colored gems correspond with mana, which is needed to cast spells; the gauntlets fill a meter needed to use weapons; the skulls cause instant damage to the enemy. Each turn allows for the swapping of two gems and when three or more form a horizontal or vertical line then they are cleared and the players meter fills or damage is caused.

It’s a simple gameplay design that is then repeated and tweaked throughout the game. Variations on the matching game are used to open doors, search rooms, loot treasure chests, and more. What’s most remarkable is how the developers add a level of RPG strategy to the basic puzzle solving. Your player has an arsenal of spells that can be swapped and require different amounts of mana, as does your enemy. So, choosing which gems to swap to both increase your spell-casting ability and possibly take crucial gems away from your enemy is an essential part of the game. If your enemy has spells that require a lot of red mana, you’d be advised to take that match for yourself.

Puzzle Quest 2 Photo credit: D3

The best new gameplay addition since the first title is the addition of weapons. Just as the colored mana gems build meters needed for spells, matching gauntlets allow you to swing weapons like axes or maces and do instant, serious damage. Choosing which weapon to carry into battle and when to use it adds another level of strategy to the experience. Move a gem, swing a weapon, or cast a spell?

The plot of “Puzzle Quest 2” centers on the town of Verloren and the dozens of enemies that lurk nearby. The player picks one of four classes — Sorcerer, Templar, Barbarian, or Assassin — and the game plays notably differently with each choice, allowing for multiple play-throughs for each class. Through a series of story missions and side missions, the player earns XP that levels them up to face more difficult enemies and take on greater quests. The player also finds elements that can be used to upgrade their weapons and gold that can be used to buy new ones. It’s hours of gameplay/RPG goodness.

“Puzzle Quest 2” also features a multiplayer mode, allowing for combat across the Xbox Live interface. You can even use your upgraded, developed hero in combat. Practice against the AI Orcs and then take him on the road. I had a tough time finding anyone to play with over the just-passed holiday weekend having created matches and searched for matches several times to no avail. I hope that’s not a sign of the lack of popularity of this title, one of the best currently on XBLA. You won’t find a more addictive title this season for the Nintendo DS or Xbox Live Arcade. Start your quest.

By BRIAN TALLERICO Content Director HollywoodChicago.com brian@hollywoodchicago.com