Bejeweled 3 is the third instalment of the worldβs most popular puzzle game, produced and published by PopCap Games.
The gameplay for Bejeweled is the same for all formats of the game; you select one of the gems and move it in one of four directions to connect a line of three or more of the same coloured gems. The connection of four or more gems creates a power gem, with five gems in a line creating a hypercube. The controls on the Xbox 360 version serve the purpose well, however the sometimes slower movement of the analogue sticks of the controller means itβll never be as quick or precise as using a mouse on the PC. Gems are selected by pressing the A button whilst moving the gem to its desired position.
Bejeweled 3 has eight different games to play with four of those being locked when you first start playing the game. The four available modes are; Classic, Zen, Quest and Lighting.
Classic mode is the typical Bejeweled game play that has been seen in the previous games, where the player plays each level trying to create as many matches as possible to fill up the level bar at the bottom of the screen, the game is over when there is no more moves. Zen mode is similar to classic in the fact that the gameplay is the same; however it is an endless version of the game. It has more calming music than the rest of the modes in order to help relax the player. Lightening mode is a timed version of the game where the player is given a minute to start with and during the game the player has to collect time gems so that when then initial time finishes, it continues to the next level with as much time as you have collected from time gems in the previous level. Quest mode is the βAdventure Modeβ of Bejeweled 3, where there are 40 puzzles comprised of 11 mini-games, with 8 puzzles per level and each completed level unlocks a relic.
The other four modes are unlocked via various requirements in each of the first four game modes. These secret modes are: Butterfly, Poker, Ice Storm and Diamond Mine. The requirements can be seen on the games user interface when scrolled over.
Bejeweled 3 has an achievement scheme within the game as well as with the Xbox Achievements , with 65 badges which comprise of 15 common badges which all tier up to platinum level and five elite badges. The 15 common badges are for all sorts of task, from; reaching certain scores within game, to destroying so many flame gems. The elite badges are for one off tasks such as detonating a supernova (6 gems in a row). There is the standard 200 Gamerscore to earn on the 360 across 12 separate achievements.
The graphics have been improved a lot since the previous game, with more detailed background graphics, smoother animations and better particle effects for special gems. The audio is full of affirming sounds for when you complete matches of gems and make power-ups which keep you playing the highly addictive game. The music is irritating to start with but it becomes blurred out as you play the game.
Lots of new game modes help to mix things up and keep the game fresh however playing on a controller is nowhere near as precise as playing on a PC with a mouse.
Presentation
The graphics are eye-catching and colourful with a range of new backgrounds looking pleasing and the redesign of special gems makes them easier to spot within the grid. The audio is well thought out but a little irritating.
Longevity
The game is highly addictive and can be played over and over and over again as well as offering multiple gametypes to play through. Also the 65 achievements will take a fair amount of time to collect especially as one of the elite badges is to reach level 40.
Overall
Highly addictive, with many gametypes on offer this is the most jam packed and challenging Bejeweled to date. Highly Recommended.
Disclaimer:All scores given within our reviews are based on the artist’s personal opinion; this should in no way impede your decision to purchase the game.
