Bejeweled 3

PopCap's Bejeweled franchise made a real revolution when it hit the market for the first time, allowing the American developer to further improve gameplay and release two other installments and two spin-offs of the game.

As in previous games in the series, Bejeweled 3's mechanics remain pretty much unchanged. All you need to do is to swap two gems in such a way that you'll match three or more gems of the same color. This can also lead to chain reactions caused by the randomly generated gems that fall from above to fill the empty spaces.

The similarities between Bejeweled 3 and its previous installments don't end here, as this version features both traditional modes as well as a few new game modes that will bring various challenges to the table.

The Classic mode common in previous titles is also featured here requiring players to continuously match gems filling small score objectives until there are no more possible moves.

As a new addition, the Zen mode allows players to enjoy Bejeweled 3 for as long as they want without having to worry about timers, running out of combinations or achieving a certain score. Moreover, gameplay is accompanied by relaxing music and positive affirmations, allowing you to de-stress yourself and calm down.

In addition to these two modes, there's also a Lighting mode where you'll have to score as many points as possible before time ends and a Quest mode that will throw at you 40 awesome puzzles with various objectives to complete.

Besides the initial game modes, as you play, you will be able to unlock four more secret modes, each with their own unique challenges.

For example, the Butterflies mode will require you to match shiny butterflies with gems of the same color before they reach the spider web at the top of the grid. In Diamond Mine, you will get the chance to dig through dirt and rock squares for shiny treasures and crystals using the same fun mechanics.

An interesting new secret mode is Poker, in which the gems you match on the game board are transposed into cards. The goal of the game is to match gems in such an order that you create Poker winning hands and add their value to your total score.

Finally, the Ice Storm mode will require lots of quick thinking, as a few columns of ice will rise from the bottom of the screen freezing the game board it they manage to reach the top.

Bejeweled 3 follows the successful recipe from its previous installments and comes with fresh modes that will keep players entertained for quite a while. Although the mechanics remain pretty much unchanged, Bejeweled 3 manages to offer lots of fun content that will both stimulate your brain and relief you from everyday stress.