Puzzle Quest: Galactrix

Puzzle Quest: Galactrix is the follow up to the wildly popular RPG/Puzzle game Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlords. In Galactrix, use Bejeweled-like puzzle skills to battle starships and planets in your attempt to save the universe.

Familiarity Breeds Comfortability

It would be easy to write off Galactrix as just another Puzzle Quest game but having had some hands-on time with it I can tell you that it is much more. The gameplay remains virtually the same, giving the player a sense of familiarity, but it takes those familiar elements and builds on them to create an all new experience. Back are the familiar color matching puzzles, but this time with a few added twists. Instead of round jewels, you are now presented with hexagonal shapes that can be switched and moved in six different directions to create lines of matching colors. The direction in which you move the pieces affects the direction new pieces will be introduced to the board. This creates a new challenge as you try to decide which direction of falling pieces will best suit your needs. You will need to hone your puzzle skills if you hope to make it through the game as these puzzles are used for almost everything such as battling enemies, crafting items, hacking jumpgates, and a variety of mini games.

Puzzle Quest: Galactrix

Your custom ship loadout

Quests Galore

Another element brought back from the original Puzzle Quest game is an extensive storyline with multiple side quests. I only had a short amount of time to check it out so I didn't get to explore the story elements as in depth as I would have liked. But from what I could see, it's every bit as involved as the first game. Instead of leveling up your actual character in Galactrix, you work to improve ship's weaponry and armor. The many colored gems that you match up throughout the game will garner you points that can be used to improve your ship's shields, weapons, and special abilities. After certain battles, enemies will sometimes drop plans for new ships, 30 in total. Ship plans can also be purchased at various stores around the universe along with over 150 other items. You can earn money to purchase your upgrades by collecting cargo in your ship and selling them to other star systems.

The Galaxy is Yours

The world map for Galactrix is enormous and has over 80 different star systems allowing you to deviate from the main storyline and do a little exploring. You can randomly attack ships if you choose, but beware because your relations, good or bad, with other star systems can affect your standing later on in the game.

Puzzle Quest: Galactrix is the perfect follow up to Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlords. If you loved that game then you will be sure to find this one just as intriguing if not more so. Galactrix launches early next year on the PC, DS and as an XBLA title. No word yet on a PS3 or PSP release, but if Galactrix continues to follow in the footsteps of its predecessor, it's likely that we will see it appear on those platforms as well by the time all is said and done.

Puzzle Quest: Galactrix

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