Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlords
- November 19, 2007 15:22 PM PST
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Puzzle Quest is a unique game that blends together elements of both the puzzle and role-playing genres to create a completely unique and utterly addicting game that is great for both quick sessions and marathon binges.
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WHAT IS IT?
Puzzle Quest is one of those truly hybrid games that come around once in a blue moon. The game takes place roughly in equal parts between its RPG and puzzle elements. After choosing your character from one of four classes, the RPG elements follow what you expect to see: a large variety of quests and dozens of locations with shops. Furthermore, there is your own castle complex where you can research spells, and create your own items, among other things.
Puzzle Quest does this part of the game quite ably. You're never forced to go straight down any one linear story path, except to open up near areas of the map. You can choose to partake in a multitude of side quests, storm nearby castles to gain your own cities, or otherwise engage in whatever suits your fancy.
The puzzle elements kick in when you get into actual battles, and here is where the meld between RPG and puzzler lift the game head and shoulders above the rest. Each battle takes place on a Bejewled-esque board; forming a line of three or more matching gems or skulls removes them from the board and either gives you mana or takes off some of your opponent's hit-points. What really dictates the pace of each battle, though, are the spells that can be cast by the player and enemy upon accumulating enough mana. The spell variety is staggering and adds an unbelievable amount of strategy to what might have been a rather dull puzzle mechanic. Outside of these puzzle battles are some smaller puzzles that serve to liven up the experience, such as researching spells.
PROS:
- Unique Blend of Puzzle and RPG Elements.
- Long, expansive quest mode.
- Good mix of classes and spells.
- Online battles are fun.
CONS:
- Game is a little too difficult in places.
FINAL VERDICT: Anyone with even a passing interest in puzzle or role-playing games should take a long hard look at this endlessly addictive gem. Chances are that within an hour of downloading the trial version you'll be looking to purchase it.
