1 Player
Rated E (Everyone)
Release Date 2004/11/04 (US)
Retail Price $19.99
Buy at Amazon

Overall Rating 9 out of 10

First Impressions

Bejeweled 2 Deluxe from PopCap Games is a mind-numbing and fun game, basically an enhanced version of the original Bejeweled and every other match-the-falling-shapes game. It offers several modes of play, four of which are available when you begin, four more that are unlocked by progressing to certain points in the game.

What distinguishes the Deluxe version is the fact that it is a standalone version of the online game at PopCap.com. It’s definitely worth the $20.

On Second Thought

We will revisit Bejeweled 2in a month and see if the game continues to hold our interest.

Dissecting Bejeweled 2

ESRB Rating — (E for Everyone)
Bejeweled 2 Deluxe, a puzzle game, has nothing offensive in it, though given today’s culture, surely someone can find something at which to be offended. We will keep looking for offense and report back if any is found.

Play Modes — (8.5 out of 10)

There are four normal modes of play in Bejeweled 2, Classic, Action, Puzzle, and Endless. In addition, there are some unlockable modes, four of which are listed below (there might be more).
Classic — This is the basic, un-timed, falling shapes game. Eventually you end up with “no more moves.”
Action — Here the game is timed, with less and less time allowed as the levels progress. Higher scores are common here.
Puzzle — The Puzzle mode provides something a training mode for setting up combination matches. Here you clear all the gems on a board to solve puzzles.
Endless — Neverending mode saves your progress from game to game. As you clear a level, another jewel is added to a map.

Unlockable Modes

In addition to the normal modes, there are four unlockable modes as well that are available if you complete certain goals.
Cognito Mode — A cross between Puzzle and Classic modes. Unlock by beating all levels in Puzzle Mode.
Finity Mode — Unlock by reaching level 280 on Endless mode.
Hyper Mode — Similar to Action Mode, but four times faster and with a slower timer. Unlock by reaching level nine in Action Mode.
Twilight Mode — This mode is like Classic Mode, except that gravity alternates up-to-down with each move. Unlock by reaching level 18 in Classic Mode.

Sound / Music — (7.5 out of 10)

The music in Bejeweled 2 is of decent quality, but distinctly background in nature. The sounds and voices are better than adequate, but not stellar.

Controls — (8 out of 10)

The game play is controlled exclusively with the mouse. Click on a jewel then click on an adjacent jewel, or click and drag a jewel in the direction of another.
It is difficult to knock Bejeweled 2 for its lack of intricate controls; the game is that simple.

Graphics — (7.5 out of 10)

While simple, Bejeweled 2 uses graphics to good effect. 3D effects are used, but the game remains graphically calm for the most part.
One item of note is the selection of background images. They are a gorgeous backdrop to the monotony of matching simple falling shapes.

Fun Factor — (8 out of 10)

Bejeweled 2 is a fun distraction, offering reasonably quick games that keep your attention. However, a side-effect is that its addictiveness outweighs the fun, leaving you with a vague sense of having spent too much time playing.

Innovation — (6.5 out of 10)

This type of game has been done many times, and Bejeweled 2 is simply improving on an already good game. The varied game modes earn it a few points here.

Overall — (8 out of 10)

Bejeweled 2 Deluxe is a great alternative to time-wasters like Solitaire, Free Cell, and their ilk. PopCap Games has taken this classic puzzle game to new heights. All in all, an enjoyable game.

Tags: PC · Platforms · Reviews