Review: Astraware Bejeweled 2
I think every reviewer has one that got away. That elusive review that you keep meaning to get to, but never quite do. For me, that review was Astraware’s Bejeweled series. So, let’s start with the Why. Why was I so interested in this program? Well, for starters, Bejeweled was Astraware’s first and still most popular game. It is the game upon which they built their reputation. It is always exciting to review such a pivotal game or program. Second, it is an incredibly addictive game, which I have enjoyed on numerous occasions, and wanted to share with our readers. So, why had I not reviewed it until now? Well, part of it is that Astraware kept coming out with so many new and fantastic games, that I never got a chance to go back and review some of their older ones, even this most popular game. Additionally, there were always other writers interested in reviewing this game as well, so I tended to defer to their interest. Bottom line was, despite enjoying Bejeweled immensely, I just never found a good opportunity to review it. So, why now? Well, earlier this week, Astraware finally released an update, the first real update in years, for Bejeweled 2, featuring updated graphics, a variety of gameplay options, and more. All in all, it is the same game you loved before…only better. Let’s take a closer look.
Let’ start with the basics. Most of you know how the game is played. You are faced with a screen of gems arranged in a grid pattern. Your goal is to remove the gems from the screen by swapping any two adjacent gems in order to make a row (or column) of three or more matching gems . If the move would match fewer than three, then the gems will swap back to their original positions. Match three and they will disappear from the screen. Matching four gems will give you a power gem. Use the power gem in a subsequent combination and it will destroy all of the surrounding gems. Matching five gems will create the all powerful hypercube. Swapping the hypercube will blast any gem matching the color with which you swapped. So, you will want to bide your time and wait for the right opportunity to use this powerful weapon.
Bejeweled 2 also features four fantastic modes of play, all of which are based on the same basic gameplay.
Classic Mode is the basic Bejeweled game which we have all grown to love. Here, you are faced with an 8×8 field of 64 gems in six colors. All you have to do is remove the matching groups to earn points. Each time you remove gems, more will fall from the top, making the game appear to be endless. You will also notice the silver bar on the left hand side of the screen. Each time you remove a group, this bar will grow. When it reaches the top, you will proceed to the next level and a new group of 64 gems. Of course, if you get stuck, just tap the hint button and Bejeweled will be happy to point out your next move. Use this sparingly, though, because you will lose points each time you request a hint. The game will end when you run out of legal moves to make.
Action Mode is nearly identical to Classic Mode. Gameplay is the same, however, you will notice that the silver bar starts about halfway to the top. Again, your goal is to make it rise to the top by removing groups of gems. If you go too long without removing a gem, however, the bar will start to plummet. If it reaches all the way to the bottom, then your game will be over.
Endless Mode may not be the most appropriately names mode of gameplay, however, it is still extremely exciting. Again, gameplay is identical to Classic Mode. In this game, however, you will notice a gem in the lower left hand softkey. Tap this and you will find the crown. Each time you clear a level, a jewel will be added to your crown. The goal here is to earn all of the jewels.
Puzzle Mode is probably the most complex mode in the game. It consists of seventeen different planets (shown below). Each planet has five levels. Each level has a group of gems arranged in a pattern. Using the same strategies as the other levels, you must clear all of the gems from the board to pass a level. Pass any four of the five levels in order to warp to the next world.
I must say that I was incredibly impressed by all four levels of play. They each presented the same game concept as the original Bejeweled, but with unique elements. I almost felt like I was working with the winners of a “Make Your Own Bejeweled” contest. That being said, I was a bit disappointed not to find a level editor for puzzle mode. It really seems ideally suited for users to create their own unique levels. I certainly hope Astraware (and Popcap) would consider adding that down the road. I am sure many users would love to take advantage of such a feature.
Well, I think you have the hang of it now. Just in case you need a little extra help, however, check out the short, animated tutorial. You can access this at the beginning of every game, or you can call it up from the main menu.
On a final note, I was also extremely impressed by the graphics in Bejeweled 2. I have seen many similar games, both commercial and freeware, which utilize much more minimalist graphics. They may even have only a grid on a dark screen with colored blocks to move around. Not Astraware. True to form, each level features a unique and intricate planetscape painting, which resides in the background of the game. In the forground is the grid (which does not require the full screen, allowing you to continue enjoying the planetscape scene.) The gems themselves are also well drawn, with each color also appearing as a different glistening shape. These graphics, while wholly unnecessary, are what has consistently placed Astraware at the top of virtually every list of users’ favorite games. As such, I would expect nothing less than the best .
I have always been a fan of Bejeweled, but this new version simply blew me away. From its stunning background paintings to its four different modes of play, this is one of many Astraware games which will leave you wondering where the last four hours went. Lying awake at night, in your dreamless not quite sleep, don’t be alarmed if you suddenly start swapping gems in your head. Though I would not recommend leaping out of bed at 3:00 am with an excited utterance like, “Aha! Swap the orange with the red. I knew I could get past level 5!” Just remember to breath, enjoy, and try not to ignore your family too much.
What I Liked: Quick, easy, and addictive gameplay. Four different modes of play. Fantastic graphics.
What Needs Improvement: I would love to see a level editor added to puzzle mode.
Vital Stats:
Name: Bejeweled 2
Developer: Astraware
Tested on: Sprint Mogul with Windows Mobile 6
Also available for: Palm OS, Windows Mobile Standard (non-touch screen), Windows Mobile Professional and Classic (touch screen) 2003 and higher.
Available from: Bejeweled 2
Price: $19.95
Trial: five (5) game starts
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Bejeweled 2 is a great game, but because it’s a classic, people often don’t review it. But still for people who are currently looking at the game, it’s way better to read a recent review than one from years ago.
I do want to note though, that when you say “…Astraware kept coming out with so many new and fantastic games, that I never got a chance to go back and review some of their older ones…”, I have to ask “Didn’t they just release Hexic and Mozaki?”
Of course I understand that they were released when the review was pretty much done, so it didn’t interfere.
I’m a bit disappointed in the 3 plays trial limitation of Hexic and Mozaki though, but that’s offtopic. I do recommend Bejeweled 2 (and Chuzzle, as well) to everyone!
Don’t worry, SPM. Those reviews are in my queue and coming soon.
Doug
Great review Doug. I am not really one into games, though I do play the Bubble game that comes with Windows Mobile from time to time. I’ll be sure to give this a try. Looks really awesome.
Thanks, Tariq. This is a great game for people who don’t like games very much. Simple, addictive, and fun.
Doug
Came across this review and want to say that you’ve done a great job of providing an in-depth breakdown of the different levels of the game. It was funny coming across this as I have recently introduced my daughter to this and other classic games such as Tetris and she is finding them as highly addictive as I did. But as you said, that’s what makes them such classic games with everlasting appeal I guess, “simple, addictive and fun.” Great post!