Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlords

For a long time, lovers of the Fantasy RPG game and the more strategic Puzzle style games have had to decide between one or the other to spend their time playing. No longer must they choose. Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlords does a wonderous job of blending the two game styles, forming an experience that is both creatively ingenious, exciting and challenging. While solving the puzzles to determine outcomes of each battle, you unlock new items for your character, the RPG aspect of this game then allows you to create a unique character which you progress along the story with. Beginning with a decision, Puzzle Quest has you choose between classes of Knights, Wizards and Druids to experience the adventure with as you defeat monsters and enemies which then provide you with experience points to grow your character.

Mixing of Genres

Like many games Puzzle Quest attempts to mix two genres of gaming which up until now remained distinctly separate. Unlike other games however, Puzzle Quest does a masterful job of evolving the two unique gameplay styles into one highly enjoyable, addicting game. During battle with your enemies the puzzle board becomes the battlefield and the decisions you make on the battlefield are what determine the victor. Through this, you get both the adventurous aspect of a fantasy RPG and the meticulous strategy of a Puzzle based game. In terms of similar games, this can be related to the Puzzle & Dragon game franchise which also adds a mixture of genres.

Best of Both Worlds

When playing games in either genre, certain aspects can become mundane or even trivial for the experienced gamer. With Puzzle Quest, the best aspects of either genre combine for a truly unique and enjoyable gaming experience. The game is packed with exciting storylines and customizable aspects which make each experience different, allowing you to play this game over and over with no diminishing returns.

Strategy and Storyline

While the battles grow in difficulty as you progress, facing new enemies and tactics, the RPG aspect of the game allows you to design a world which is unique to your character and what you decide is most advantageous for your journey. As you progress through the game, there are more and more details which you discover that create an interactive experience, such as enhancing your home Citadel with new additions such as Dungeons, Stables and Towers, each with unique abilities that come when finished construction.

Pros:

• Exceptional balance of strategy and fantasy adventure, vibrant colours fill the graphics throughout this game keeping you enticed.
• Unique experience for all players, picking your character and playing style allows for players to enjoy a seemingly new adventure with every game play experience.
• Very interesting storyline and gameplay that lets you decide your adventure and how you wish to play through it.

Cons:

• AI opponents can sometimes seem too difficult in battle depending on difficulty level for those players trying the game out, especially if this is their first time delving into a game of this style & design.
• Battles can become repetitive, relying on the creative story arc and RPG aspects to carry player’s attention through to the end.