Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlords

Puzzle Quest borrows the absorbing gem-matching action of Bejeweled.

Puzzle Quest borrows the absorbing gem-matching action of Bejeweled.

Jason Hill
May 10, 2007

Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlords
PSP, Nintendo DS
D3 Publisher, PG, RRP $50
Rating: 4.5/5

So addictive it should come with a warning sticker on the box, Puzzle Quest borrows the absorbing gem-matching action of Bejeweled and cleverly adds a fantasy story and opponents to battle so you have even more reason for one more turn.

Designed by Port Melbourne's Infinite Interactive, Puzzle Quest is one of the best Australian games in years and has a cult following overseas. There will be an Xbox Live Arcade version and a PC version will surely follow.

It begins like any role playing game, players choosing a hero (warrior, wizard, druid or knight) before selecting quests while exploring a sprawling map. The difference is that battles against orcs, trolls, thieves and zombies are resolved by completing puzzles rather than swinging a sword.

Anyone who has wasted hours matching coloured gems in puzzlers will feel at home but Puzzle Quest's action has much more tactical depth. Four coloured icons represent the elements air, fire, earth and water and matching symbols from each generates mana to cast spells.

Spells include defensive measures and attacks to reduce your opponent's health. A player may match coin icons to collect gold or purple stars to increase their character's experience points and unlock powers. There are many customisation options.

Each battle offers many strategies. Players must match skulls to reduce their opponent's hit points, increase their mana, choose what spells to use and when to cast them and deny their opponent gems.

Matching four symbols in a row is crucial because it gives another turn.

The solo campaign is long but matches against friends are even more entertaining.

