Review: Swap Gems, Save the Universe

When people think about casual games, the first title that comes to mind is inevitably the legendary Bejeweled. With simple, straightforward gameplay that anyone can learn in a matter of moments, it was terribly addicting, providing hours upon hours of enjoyment. With Bejeweled 2, they've taken the same formula and have seriously tweaked it for the better.

Just as before, you swap adjacent jewels to create like-colored sets of three or more. The resulting trio disappears from the grid, causing all the gems above it to fill in the gap with extras pouring in from above.

Funky, Intergallactic Fun

For this go around, the creators ensconced the fantastic colorful gem-swapping game in an other-worldly environment. What results is a futuristic -- yet familiar -- environment with vibrant graphics and techie-like music. Enjoy the tunes and the colorful backgrounds, but don't forget to play the game too!

Four Game Modes, Four Adventures

Offering plenty of variety, there are four modes for you to choose from, right off the bat. In this way, whatever kind of challenge you're looking for, you will be aptly and suitably satisfied.

• Classic: There is no time limit, but you must ensure that you never run out of possible moves. You move on to the next level after filling the progress bar at the bottom of the screen.
• Puzzle: A challenging twist on a familiar game, the Puzzle Mode asks you to clear all of the gems on the screen in one fell swoop. No additional jewels will rain from the sky, so choose your moves carefully. Complete four out of the five presented puzzles to move on to the next level.
• Action: Those of you who love more frantic mouse-clicking will absolutely fall in love with the Action mode. It plays the same way as the Classic Mode, but throws in the added element of time. Beat the clock, or suffer the consequences.
• Endless: Running out of time or moves is not an issue in this neverending game mode. Take this more relaxed approach if you just want to have some fun.

Strategies, Tips, and Hints

When you make a set of four like-colored jewels, a "power gem" is created for explosive results. When this gem is cleared, it literally blows up, taking several surrounding jewels with it.

You'll be treated to a "hyper cube" if you manage to link together a set of five like-colored gems. Swap this hyper cube with any adjacent jewel to eliminate all gems of that color from the screen.

Use discretion when asking for a hint. Though they are theoretically limitless, the hints take away a certain portion of your progress bar. This can be particularly hurtful when playing the time Action mode.

Try to focus on the bottom portion of the grid. When you clear gems there, you are more likely to receive a series of chain reactions, resulting in mundo points.

Improving on the Classic

The first Bejeweled was great. It was incredibly intuitive, very colorful, and as a result, it was exceptionally popular. Fans of the game should immediately flock to this wonderful sequel as it is arguably better than the original. Swapping gems has never been more fun (or addictive).