Review
Bejeweled 2 Review (PS3)
There’s something so irresistible about the simplicity of Bejeweled 2. Even more so when you consider the gem-swapping formula has barely changed in an age that has seen it spruced all over the Internet and across mobile applications of all shapes and sizes. It’s a testimony to Popcap Games that, after almost a decade of award-winning praise and approval, they have kept faith in their golden child. So often, addictive puzzle games can lose their entertainment value through a bland rehash of ‘next-gen’ ideas and over-complication of what made the premise successful in the first place (Mindsweeper Flags, most notably). It’s with great pleasure then that Bejeweled 2 arrives on the PlayStation Network looking as sleek and accessible as ever with some smart, age-defying improvements that stop this from becoming a predictable re-run of previous hits, and propels the game to the top of the genre in inevitably nonchalant fashion once more.
Without doubt, the reason behind such continued success is the balance behind Bejeweled’s gameplay. Providing a masterful poise between teasing challenge and exciting entertainment, the simple formula of matching three identical jewels allows itself to test the mind without ever becoming too taxing. If stuck or outdone, players can call in hints to get their momentum moving again, something which is vital for those who are looking for a quick blast of puzzle fun before tuning into the more pressing matters of the real-world. Of course, Bejeweled is never going to completely shelter the colour-blind, and there is always a substantial task on hand for gamers who are out to prove themselves. Vitally, this sequel continues the trend of catering for all, with four game modes that’ll have you wincing, smiling, and even relaxing with their subtle differences.
Alongside the classic untimed set-up, players can get their teeth into an intense timed session, which serves as the game’s toughest beat-the-clock situation. Although on the surface it’s exactly the same as it’s timeless brethren, it’s amazing how this version forces you to spot scores of matching gem trios at a greater speed. Once started, we found this was actually the best mode to improve our skills, as the clock quickens in pace the longer you take to clear the board. As with the less edgy mode, gaining a match of more than three gems at a time leads to some superbly satisfying high-scores, and often a jewel-sapping explosion on screen. It’s remarkably fulfilling, and can often add a much-needed extension to the timer that continues to drip away.
Luckily, Bejeweled 2 also includes a clever puzzle section that forces you to clear the huge variations of gem formations with a minimal amount of moves. A cheekily inserted narrative has been put in place to justify why there are so many non-traditional square boards to clear, as you warp from planet to planet solving each mysterious problem. This also allows for a change in scenery between levels, as the background takes the form of hellish landscapes that glisten with a crimson glow, barren deserts held prisoner by jaw-dropping rock formations, and even jutting mountaintops caressed by a ghostly layer of snow. Reinforced with a soft but entertaining soundtrack, it’s no wonder that an endless, impossible-to-lose section has been included alongside the three more challenging modes, as the opportunity to hone your skills or glide away with the serenity of the experience will be more than enough to entice many to give this title a real shot.
It’s hard to fault Bejeweled 2 as a downloadable title. There’s plenty here to keep newcomers and puzzle aficionados quietly working away until the inevitably advanced sequel arrives. With a tight, easy to use control scheme, the opportunity to complete levels with extreme haste has never been more apparent, as you can destroy boards in seconds with a quick bit of dynamic thinking and a sharp eye for matching colours. Our only gripe is that if you look hard enough, certain sections of this game can be found for free online, although admittedly, most versions nudge players to buy the full product after a few levels of play. When the game works so well on the PS3, we find it hard to recommend Bejeweled 2 on other formats. The accessible, easy-to-learn, harder-to-master formula will have a host of players addicted once again this time round, much like it has with such relentless force over the last decade, where it has seen off hundreds of competing products without ever needing to break away from its true colours.
Top Game Moment: Scoring a huge combo, and watching the screen erupt with colour.
Without doubt, the reason behind such continued success is the balance behind Bejeweled’s gameplay. Providing a masterful poise between teasing challenge and exciting entertainment, the simple formula of matching three identical jewels allows itself to test the mind without ever becoming too taxing. If stuck or outdone, players can call in hints to get their momentum moving again, something which is vital for those who are looking for a quick blast of puzzle fun before tuning into the more pressing matters of the real-world. Of course, Bejeweled is never going to completely shelter the colour-blind, and there is always a substantial task on hand for gamers who are out to prove themselves. Vitally, this sequel continues the trend of catering for all, with four game modes that’ll have you wincing, smiling, and even relaxing with their subtle differences.
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| Combos are insanely satisfying... | ...and lead to superb results. |
Alongside the classic untimed set-up, players can get their teeth into an intense timed session, which serves as the game’s toughest beat-the-clock situation. Although on the surface it’s exactly the same as it’s timeless brethren, it’s amazing how this version forces you to spot scores of matching gem trios at a greater speed. Once started, we found this was actually the best mode to improve our skills, as the clock quickens in pace the longer you take to clear the board. As with the less edgy mode, gaining a match of more than three gems at a time leads to some superbly satisfying high-scores, and often a jewel-sapping explosion on screen. It’s remarkably fulfilling, and can often add a much-needed extension to the timer that continues to drip away.
 |
 |
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| Travel the galaxy solving mysterious puzzles. | There's plenty for everyone to work their way through. |
Luckily, Bejeweled 2 also includes a clever puzzle section that forces you to clear the huge variations of gem formations with a minimal amount of moves. A cheekily inserted narrative has been put in place to justify why there are so many non-traditional square boards to clear, as you warp from planet to planet solving each mysterious problem. This also allows for a change in scenery between levels, as the background takes the form of hellish landscapes that glisten with a crimson glow, barren deserts held prisoner by jaw-dropping rock formations, and even jutting mountaintops caressed by a ghostly layer of snow. Reinforced with a soft but entertaining soundtrack, it’s no wonder that an endless, impossible-to-lose section has been included alongside the three more challenging modes, as the opportunity to hone your skills or glide away with the serenity of the experience will be more than enough to entice many to give this title a real shot.
It’s hard to fault Bejeweled 2 as a downloadable title. There’s plenty here to keep newcomers and puzzle aficionados quietly working away until the inevitably advanced sequel arrives. With a tight, easy to use control scheme, the opportunity to complete levels with extreme haste has never been more apparent, as you can destroy boards in seconds with a quick bit of dynamic thinking and a sharp eye for matching colours. Our only gripe is that if you look hard enough, certain sections of this game can be found for free online, although admittedly, most versions nudge players to buy the full product after a few levels of play. When the game works so well on the PS3, we find it hard to recommend Bejeweled 2 on other formats. The accessible, easy-to-learn, harder-to-master formula will have a host of players addicted once again this time round, much like it has with such relentless force over the last decade, where it has seen off hundreds of competing products without ever needing to break away from its true colours.
Top Game Moment: Scoring a huge combo, and watching the screen erupt with colour.
