Bejeweled 3

It feels so strange to be so hooked to a game that is as simple yet complex as Bejeweled. But considering how I've been playing games from this series for years now and I'll admit each new iteration is good but has generally been more of the same for the most part. I mean how could a developer expand and improve on such a simple concept?

Cue in Bejeweled 3.

The first thing that caught my eyes about this game was how much the graphics were improved this time around. I never would have thought I'd ever say that about a puzzle game, but it is very true. The game is much, much better looking then its predecessors in every way.

As for the game itself, it is packed up with a number of additional modes (including the tried and true Classic mode), which includes Quest, Lightning and Zen modes. After you've tried those out, you can unlock four more modes (Poker, Butterflies, Ice Storm and Diamond Mine) for more jewel matching mayhem. Of these, my favorite modes have been Butterflies, Ice Storm and Lightning. Let me explain...

Despite having such a weird yet appropriate name, the Butterflies mode has you try and capture butterflies before they reach the top of the columns and into the waiting arms (and mouth) of a spider, whom is perched at the top of the screen.

It sounds easy doesn't it?

The reality is as you progress forward, more butterflies begin to appear in more rows and if you aren't paying attention to all 8 lanes, one of those butterflies could very well slip by and end your game in an instant. I've lost quite a few games by thinking I've got it all under control, only to realize that a butterfly had reached near the top and I had nothing to bring it back down.

Lighting mode is basically a time attack game, where you've only got 1 minute to score as much points as you possibly can. There are jewels that give you small boosts of time that drop as well, which even having 5 extra seconds can make all the difference.

Ice Storm (pictured above) has you trying to match up jewels to prevent the ice from hitting the top of the screen. If it reaches there, you generally only have a few seconds before the column freezes and its game over at that point.

I guess I don't really need to say anything about enjoying the heck out of this game and how I spent a good part of yesterday afternoon glued in front of my screen. I will say that having only 1 computer is a bit of a hassle sometimes and yesterday was one such day. Why? Well every time I would hit a high score, my girlfriend would get antsy and want to play. Then she would be that score and I'd want to play.

Yes, yes... madness...

But you know what? If all casual games were done as well as Bejeweled 3 or Plants vs. Zombies, I think I wouldn't mind playing more causal stuff.