Puzzle Quest 2 Previews

Infinite Interactive’s ambitious Puzzle Quest sequel is the subject of a couple more GDC-based previews today, starting with GameZone:

Removing XP and gold from the puzzle combat they are now earned at the end of a battle Infinite Interactive has added in a fifth mana in the form of a purple gem that players can match on the battle board. Staying true to the (match 3-5) gameplay, players are still able to perform attacks on their opponent through matching the similar gems to decrease the opponent’s HP. After the conclusion of the battle, players will earn the XP, which will be used to level up their character in any of the five areas such as strength, the barbarian’s favorite attribute.

And finishing with Siliconera:

Another change I noticed is Puzzle Quest 2 isn’t as merciless as the first game. The computer turned a blind eye to unmatched skulls. When a fight opened there were three chains of skulls to match. It was my turn first, but I only had one move. Matching all of the skulls, even disrupting the board to shake the skulls out of position just wasn’t possible. I prepared to take a hit, but when the computer move it matched. mana. Puzzled, I also ignored the unmatched skulls just to see what the computer would do. Again, the computer ignored them. This was at the beginning of the game so enemies are supposed to be easier, but the first Puzzle Quest, especially the PSP one that I spent the most time playing wasn’t as forgiving. Tim Ramage, Producer, explained the artificial intelligence scales up as the game progresses. There’s still a challenge, but Puzzle Quest 2 doesn’t bombard you with it in the beginning.