Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlords Preview

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.