Review: Bejeweled Twist

Developer: PopCap Games

Publisher: PopCap Games

Bejeweled Twist warps the style of Bejeweled gameplay we are used to. You no longer click two jewels to switch them, as the cursor now selects four and rotates them clockwise. This provides an interesting change from the original, which simply had you swapping two gems to create rows of three or more.

You still have to create these rows, but not every move has to create them. Each time a row is formed consecutively, the score multiplier is increased, with it taking 4 consecutive rows to get to 2X, 8 to get 3X, then 12 to get 4X and so on. This is interesting, as you will no longer be left with ‘no moves left’, but will have to face losing your multiplier, and ultimately, a bigger score.

The game has 4 main game modes in which you will come across a variety of gems other than the standard gems we are all used to. Combining 4 of the standard gems will create a fire gem, which, when matched with two or more gems of the same colour, will explode – clearing a few of the surrounding gems. When you combine 5 gems of the same colour you create the lightning gem. This gem, again when matched to gems of the same colour, will send a bolt of lightning up the adjacent column and along the adjacent row, clearing a lot of gems.

You will also come across lumps of coal and the locked gems. Coal can’t be matched with any other gems but can be cleared using a fire or lightning gem, and locked gems can’t be moved but can still be matched. Fruit gems are gained by achieving a 10x multiplier, and clear all the gems of the same colour from the board. The bomb gem is the biggest hazard as they give you twenty moves to diffuse them, by matching them with gems of the same colour, and if you don’t diffuse them in time you have to try your luck on a wheel of fortune. This wheel has some segments that will diffuse the bomb and some that won’t. Each time you have to use the wheel there is one less chance to diffuse the bomb and if you don’t diffuse the bomb it’s game over.

Let’s talk about the game modes: Classic, Zen, Blitz and Challenge mode each offer something different to do so you won’t get bored easily. Classic game mode is all about getting a high score. You play through each level, hoping not to get destroyed by the bomb gem, trying to accumulate the highest possible score by stringing together massive combos, cascades and explosions. The game is over when you are destroyed by the bomb gem or when you complete all of the levels. Zen mode is the most relaxing game mode in Bejeweled Twist as it doesn’t have bomb gems or locked gems so there is nothing to worry about. As you play level after level of Zen mode you will eventually amass a huge score.

If you want more of a challenge, though, you will want to try Blitz mode or Challenge mode. Blitz mode is a timed challenge in which you try to get as many points as you can in five minutes. The final mode – called Challenge – will keep your attention the longest as it is the most extensive. Unlocked at rank 3 (don’t worry, we’ll get to it), Challenge mode consists of 13 planets of 7 challenges each. Each of the planets have a separate theme for each of the challenges: There’s Detonator which challenges the player to destroy multiple gems in single moves, or Coal Mine, in which the player must destroy several pieces of coal in single moves. The challenges, which increase in difficulty as you progress, are fun and really test the mind, as you have to make the perfect moves and plan ahead. Challenge mode is definitely the best game mode on Bejeweled Twist.

As well as the different style of gameplay, Bejeweled Twist offers something else that isn’t in Bejeweled 2 Deluxe. Bejeweled Twist has a ranking system which tracks your progress through the game, skills. and awards you by unlocking Challenge mode (told you). You get stars after completing a level of any of the game modes, which are gained depending on how well you do and the complexity of the level.  Each of the rank levels, like any good ranking system, requires more stars for each level. This certainly will make you keep coming back to the game again and again, although it is a PopCap game so I wouldn’t expect anything less.

Overall, this game is a brilliant addition to the variety of puzzle games out there by taking the simple, addictive structure of Bejeweled and adding a twist to it. With fun game modes keeping you coming back for more this is an essential game for Bejeweled fans.