PixlBit

Puzzle games are a dime a dozen nowadays. Familiar concepts are being constantly rehashed with a new ridiculous title or veiled behind a fresh coat of paint. They're everywhere we look; whether it's on our computers, phones, or game systems. After playing so many similar titles, it’s honestly become boring to play the same game in a slightly different way. At first, this seemed to be the case with Jewel Master Egypt; just another puzzle game that I had played before – good, but nothing special. But after a few hours of gameplay I was pleasantly surprised to see that there were small additions to break up the monotony as well as a deeper gameplay element which added more depth and strategy to the title than expected.

Gameplay is based around a simple premise: match three similar objects (Bejeweled). Players will have to clear matching objects as they appear on the uniquely shaped board, with each new level encountered increasing the challenging by reshaping the board in a more intricate manner. In order to clear the tiles, players will need to swap two adjacent object s either up and down or left and right, but only if a viable match can be made. On the grid, there are dark blue blocks which must be broken by forming a threesome of objects. Once all of the blue blocks in a level are destroyed, a golden scarab will appear, and players must destroy all the objects beneath it, so it can fall out of the board, completing the level.

As the difficulty of the levels increase, new gameplay elements are added. One example is the light blue blocks, which require two sets of matches to destroy. Another are the chains, which surround a particular block barring players from not only moving the object, but also stopping adjacent blocks from tumbling into empty areas below, forcing players to make matches within a very small and tight area. The difficulty only continues as elements such as double chains are added and become much more numerous, forcing players to carefully formulate a strategy.

However, Jewel Master Egypt is far more than just a puzzle game. Although the core game itself is based around puzzle elements, the second portion requires players to build an empire in Egypt. Comprised of several phases, each is separated into four goals. For example, during the First Dynasty, players will have to build a simple settlement, a well, a port, and buy camels. As players complete these dynasties, their settlements will increase in quality, allowing players to build better structures.

In order for players to meet the continuous demand of the upgrades and new structures required for each new dynasty, they will have to collect resources. This is where the game truly separates itself from similar titles. Because players need to focus on both releasing the scarab and collecting these vital resources, the game forces players to form a much tighter strategy in order to complete all goals.

Building a new structure, or acquiring a new object/animal increases the amount of a particular resource players collect. For example, after building a port, players will earn 8 units of food instead of 4.

It's a simple concept, but one that is more complicated than it seems. Even the best puzzle gamers may find themselves replaying levels over and over trying out new strategies to gain optimal results. Without the multiple goals in each level, this title wouldn’t stand above its competitors like it does.

Jewel Master Egypt is a standout title in its genre, providing a unique experience that's familiar enough for newcomers, yet different enough to satisfy veterans.