The Nardio Review

Is It Worth Your Time?

Yes.

 

What Should I Play it On?

Bejeweled HD is only available for the iPad.

 

What Did You Think Without Spoiling It?

Love matching games? Love the original Bejeweled? You won’t be disappointed with Bejeweled HD. The game has 5 different modes to choose from, each of which have their own stipulations. It’s a lot of fun and a good way to waste time.

 

How Does it Play?

Bejeweled HD plays perfectly on the iPad. No issue with touch control or anything. This is especially important for the timed modes like Lightning and Diamond Mine.

 

Why it Works

Bejeweled HD is simple. Incredibly simple. The different modes aren’t too difficult to understand.

• Lightning: Try to make as many matches as possible in a set amount of time. You can collect time from various gems.
• Butterfly: Free the butterflies by matching them up with like colors. Make sure you don’t let them get eaten by the spider.
• Diamond Mine: Breaking through the dirt by matching the gems and get as far down as you can. You only receive points by collecting the various artifacts and gold. Each level is timed.
• Classic Mode: collect enough points in each level to progress to the next. The game ends when you are out of moves.
• Zen Mode: pretty much the same as classic, except you can change the background music to different sound effects, like rain or the beach waves. You can also have subliminal messages appear in the background that make you feel good about yourself.

Each mode, while employing the same gameplay, has slightly different strategies. What might work in classic mode may not work in lightning mode. There’s literally endless replay value here. For achievement fiends, you’ll be happy to note that there are badges that you can earn after completing certain requirements, like matching up two hypercubes together or collecting one million gems.

The game has a lot of razzle dazzle that kind of makes you forget you’re playing a simple match ’em game. By matching 4 of the same color gems you can make a fire gem. When you match that up with 2 more of the same colors you destroy nearby gems. When you match up 6+ gems in a row, you create a supernova. When you match the supernova, you destroy whatever is in that line horizontally and vertically in a spectacular laser show. Sometimes you do so well matching up that the whole screen is just full of explosions. Missed the moment? Not to worry, the classic mode features an instant replay button. Is it necessary? Probably not, but it’s kind of fun. There’s a lot of positive thinking in this game and they really want to make you feel good about yourself. Aside from the Zen Mode that does so conspicuously, anytime you make good moves you are rewarded with good, excellent, awesome. Definitely helps with the self-esteem.

The best part about Bejeweled HD? Well in some of the modes if you get stuck, the game automatically guides you to a match. Isn’t that nice of the developers?

No Like?

The light show. Sometimes it can be far too distracting and even disruptive to gameplay. There are times where I set off a combo that sets off the hypercube when I didn’t want it to. I guess that’s the nature of games like this, but still.

The sound effects for themselves are a bit annoying. There is, of course, an option to turn it off and in Zen mode you can listen to whatever sound effects suit your fancy. Aside from this, I wasn’t a huge fan of Classic Mode. I don’t see the need really to move on to different levels. It’s a little jarring to finish one level, go through some weird psychedelic tunnel to another. You’re board is jumbled and often times, because of that, you run out of moves quickly. Then, game over. I actually prefer the other modes as they’re not nearly as frustrating. Aside from that though, I really don’t have a lot of complaints.

Basic Information

•  Price: $3.99
• Worth: Priced perfectly
• 1 player game
• Infinite replay value
• Continuing developer support with fixes.
• Child-friendly
• Gamecenter Achievements and Leadboards
• 5 different modes

 

Weblinks

http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/bejeweled-hd/id517260318?mt=8

http://www.popcap.com/games/bejeweled/home

 

Hints and Tips

• In Butterfly mode, always keep an eye out on the butterflies and always try to match them up before the other non-butterflied gems. No use in saving any of the special gems.
• In Diamond Mine, if there is a hypercube available, use it on the gem color that is on the unbroken ground. This will break the ground and is a good way to move on to the next level if you’re short on time.
• In the Lightning mode, try to focus on getting the timed gems. You don’t necessarily have to match them. If you use a fire gem close to them, you will receive that time bonus.