Bejeweled 3

With the gaming industry now boasting over fifty years’ worth of content, it becomes harder and harder for developers to create new genres and subgenres. For games to stand out and create their own niche, you need to really think outside the box. However, on some occasions, simple can also be the answer. The art of match three games is that they are so simple and intuitive that anyone can play them, meaning that this genre has fast became out of the most popular puzzle game formats around. Bejeweled is a series that arguably started it all and today, we take a look at the third instalment, Bejeweled 3.

This game plays rather like titles such as Candy Crush Saga, Cookie Jam, Harry Potter: Puzzles and Spells. Plus, just about any other Bejeweled game in the series. This game aims to take the tried-and-true match-three formula and give it a polish. All in the hope of providing the best and brightest game for the format yet. Here is our review of Bejeweled 3

Brings More to The Table

While the concept of the Bejeweled game series has never changed since it’s birth, it does constantly shake things up to keep things interesting. This is often through new game modes that challenge the player in new ways and this time, it’s no different. You’ll have access to butterfly mode where you’ll have to help free butterflies before spiders get them. Or you’ll have a game that uses the rules of the card game poker, using card values to determine if you can make matches and clear the board. It’s these modes that help keep the series interesting even after all these years.

However, when this game giveth, it also taketh away. Some of the exciting game modes from past iterations are missing from this version. Game modes such as Bejeweled Twist or Bejeweled Blitz are missing from this iteration meaning that if you don’t like the new offerings, don’t expect the game to cater to you if you’re a returning player.

We must admit though, the quest mode is a very serviceable offering from Popcap here. It serves as a way for the game to showcase the new modes, teaches the player the various tactical approaches needed to succeed and also, it ramps up in difficulty at a slow and progressive pace. Meaning that if you enjoy a challenge, this mode will test you to your limit by the end.

Out of Control

One aspect where this game falls down is in the control department. The games format doesn’t lend itself to a controller-based game. Without a mouse to control your movement and actions, you’ll ultimately feel more sluggish. You’ll have to rapidly scroll over to each gem you need, leading to much more input that a mouse which can glide and click with ease. It means you’ll likely fail stages through no fault of your own and that’s simply not ok.

The Verdict

Overall, Bejeweled 3 takes some big swings and manages to hit a reasonable amount out of the park. Some new game modes are captivating and the quest mode is truly brilliant. Plus, it’s great to see a bejeweled game became available on some new platforms. However, some attempts to push the series forward do the exact opposite. Plus, the use of a controller can turn this stress-free game into a rather frustrating affair indeed.

Pros:

• Excellent new game modes
• Quest mode is a joy
• UI and gameplay as slick as ever

Cons:

• Using a controller is a slog
• Iconic game modes left out