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Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the WarLords Review

DS | PSP
Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the WarLords box art

System: PSP, DS
Dev: 1st Playable Productions
Pub: D3 Publisher
Release: March 20, 2007
Players: 1-2
ESRB Rating: Everyone 10+
Review by Jonathan Marx

Review Rating Legend
1.0 - 1.9 = Avoid
2.0 - 2.4 = Poor
2.5 - 2.9 = Average
3.0 - 3.4 = Fair
3.5 - 3.9 = Good
4.0 - 4.4 = Great
4.5 - 4.9 = Must Buy
5.0 = The Best

The storyline is branching and will seem fresh even when played multiple times. The quest feature is just one of the game modes, but is integral to building a strong character. It is also what separates this game from other puzzlers as it makes for high adventure rather than just trying to best your previous score.


Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the WarLords screenshot


If you're not in the mood to continue the adventure, you can play a quick battle without getting into the story by selecting an Instant Action Battle. If you want to hone your skills against a particular foe you can select one from the vast bestiary in the Choose Opponent Battle mode. If you've got buddies who own the game, you can select your most battle hardened character and host a multiplayer match against friends through your system's Wi-Fi connection. The game even allows you to select automatic handicapping to make for a more an even battle.

Sound and graphics quality are really good in this game. The PSP version gets the nod on both accounts, but the DS version has been by no means neglected. The theme music is grand, and the sound effects do well to heighten the sense of drama. The graphics are simple yet detailed. Monsters, friends, and the world map are all skillfully rendered and make you feel as if you were part of the game world.

All in all, this game is wonderful. It will provide hours of entertainment for you and your friends. The inclusion of multiplayer matching and hosting through a centralized server is sorely missing, but you can't have it all I guess. There is hope for the future, however. The game is scheduled to come out for the PC and the Xbox Live Arcade in the coming months. Undoubtedly, the multiplayer side will be fully developed for those platforms. Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlords will be very successful as it is both fun and complex to the core. This game has taken the best aspects of two winning genres and created an experience that is both original and rewarding. Both puzzle hounds and dungeon crawlers alike will find this game to be just what the doctor ordered. So before you head out west or north to the lake, be sure and head out to your local game store and pick up a copy Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlords.

By Jonathan Marx
CCC Freelance Writer

Features:

  • Innovative gameplay style. Strategy and role-playing elements that function harmoniously in the puzzle gameboard setting offer a refreshing twist on classic puzzle gameplay, fostering an exceptional depth of investment and enjoyment.
  • Head-to-head gameplay mechanism. Competitive, turn-based gameplay encourages you to plan, think and strategize against opponents instead of just react like most traditional puzzle games; game difficulty and progression are related to outsmarting your enemies as opposed to difficulty increasing solely through level progression.
  • No penalty for losing. If you experience defeat, you are still awarded experience points as well as partial gold and then encouraged to try again; this allows constant progression and avoids any feelings that invested play time is wasted.
  • Continuous reward system. At every turn, you will acquire helpful companions, collect or cast powerful magic spells, gather informational "rumors," and obtain items like weapons, armor and money to advance your hero.
  • Short or long-term play sessions. Play in long or short doses since the depth of the game does not waver according to the length of a gameplay session; each battle ranges from 3-10 minutes.
  • Three distinct gameplay modes offer unparalleled replayability. Single-player: Battle against the computer AI as you embark on more than 150 challenging quests. Instant action: Jump in and immediately play continuous battles to level up your character without participating in quests. Multiplayer: Battle live opponents via wireless connectivity on both the PSP system and the Nintendo DS handheld system.
  • Create and build a hero. Choose from two male and two female avatars in each of the four character classes-Druid, Knight, Warrior and Wizard-to create, develop and customize your ultimate hero.
  • Build your own empire. Build an empire as you capture cities, build castles and gain a party of companions that will aid you in battle.

    Rating out of 5
    Rating Description

    4.0

    		 Graphics
    Very nicely done. The game looks quite crisp and pretty.

    3.5

    		 Control
    Good control scheme with no learning curve.

    4.0

    		 Music / Sound FX / Voice Acting
    The music is great and the sound effects are perfect.

    4.4

    		 Play Value
    This a great title that will have you gaming all summer long.

    4.4

    		 Overall Rating - Great
    Not an average. See Rating legend above for a final score breakdown.

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    • Media

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    Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the WarLords screenshot - click to enlarge Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the WarLords screenshot - click to enlarge Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the WarLords screenshot - click to enlarge Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the WarLords screenshot - click to enlarge

    Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the WarLords screenshot - click to enlarge Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the WarLords screenshot - click to enlarge Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the WarLords screenshot - click to enlarge Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the WarLords screenshot - click to enlarge

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