Puzzle Quest 2, like its predecessor, is a crazy combination of two seemingly disjoint game types (Bejeweled and RPG) that are combined to form a portal for casual gamers to engage a genre they would typically ignore. Puzzle Quest 1 used the classic game Warlords as its RPG template, while Puzzle Quest 2 uses a formula much closer to a dungeon crawler such as Diablo.
As far as the Bejeweled aspect is concerned, Puzzle Quest 2 improves on the match three game-play of its predecessor. It does so by the introduction of a new action point gem (represented as a gauntlet), that allows a player or his opponent to use an item in addition to the spells introduced in Puzzle Quest 1. The effect of the new gem is an additional layer of strategy that ties closer to the surrounding RPG meta-game, since it is up to the player to choose which items to equip. An additional positive from the introduction of an additional gem type, is shorter strings of combinations for either the player and more typically the AI to enjoy. In ever once had the dreading feeling I had in PQ1 that the AI would play out the remainder of a battle. In addition to rebalanced spells, the combat experience feels less random and more strategic, which are both great things.
Unfortunately, PQ2 does not take advantage of its improved match-3 game-play when integrating it with the RPG meta-game. In PQ2 the player could obtain mounts, recruit a multitude of companions with unique abilities, build fortresses, research spells, and forge items. In PQ2 one can still learn spells and recruit characters, but the opportunities to do so are very limited and the effect of both actions is limited to a few additional, not-so useful spells. Match-3 game play is also used to disable traps, unlock doors, search rooms, and loot chests. All these actions are unfortunately either too easy or too random to be enjoyable.
The meta-game problems are further compounded by the game's loot system. Instead of unique items, the player now receives generic items with Diablo like naming conventions, that can gradually be upgraded by the town's blacksmith. While I do not have a problem with this approach outright, it does not offer any unique items with the accompanied wow-factor of finding such items. The loot system also does not offer any collection bonuses such as items sets or socketing that add an additional layer of strategy (and compulsion) to the style of RPG that Puzzle Quest 2 is trying to mimic.
What Puzzle Quest 2 does inherit from its Diablo roots, is the constant backtracking to and from town, which is mostly alleviated by a helpful portal and navigation system. These aids however do not prevent the game for ultimately becoming a drag. The entire dungeon has a copy-past feel to it, with room upon room of generic monsters to fight that yield generic rewards, that are used to ultimately complete a generic quest that leads to another floor of the same.
There are some positives in the presentation, with eye catching illustrations and some catchy sound effects. It all falls flat in motion however as the game is lacking any real animation. Puzzle Quest 2 also lacks any real story, which is usually enough to drag even the slowest dungeon crawl over the line.
In closing, I must admit that Puzzle Quest's addictive match three game play is still present and even improved upon. The lack of a narrative or addictive loot mechanic leaves nothing to drive the experience onward however, which limits play to short sessions and ultimately produces an experience that feels "epic" for all the wrong reasons.
