Bejeweled 2 has arrived on the European PlayStation Store as part of a new agreement between Sony and PopCap Games. Announced back in January, the exclusive agreement will see the release of five fan favourites, Zuma, Heavy Weapon, Peggle and Feeding Frenzy, led by the popular Match-3 Puzzle title Bejeweled 2. But while PopCap Games undoubtedly lead their field in the PC online space, bringing these games to the much tighter network that is the PLAYSTATION 3’s (PS3) online service is an entirely different prospect. With the games lined-up on a virtual shop shelf as opposed to delivered with the legroom deemed necessary by the developer; can the simple Puzzle game grab the attention of PS3 gamers?

            As stated above, Bejeweled 2 is another take on the incredibly popular Match-3 Puzzle game. The games diminutive package is supported by a comparatively low price point, and the simple presentation belies a depth not found in many competing titles. Four gameplay modes are available from the off, with a further four unlockable after a prescribed amount of dedication.

            The Classic Mode is your typical modern Match-3 arrangement, with Gems falling from the top of the screen to replace those you have eliminated with horizontal or vertical sets of three or more. The player switches Gems adjacent to complete sets of three or more identical Gems and continues until no more moves are available, or until the level is complete. Bejeweled 2 offers a handful of additional rules that run throughout it’s gameplay modes; matching a set of four Gems will create a Power Gem, which when matched in a further set of three or more will create a small explosion, removing other Gems in the surrounding area also. Managing to match five Gems will create a Hyper Cube, which when switched with an adjacent Gem with remove all Gems of the same colour currently in play.

            In addition to the Classic Mode, Action, Puzzle and Endless Modes are available immediately. Action Mode asks the player to complete levels under a strict time limit, whilst Puzzle Mode offer prearranged layouts in which the player must remove every Gem in play using the same Bejeweled 2 rules. Endless Mode is exactly that, and will most likely become the most frequented gameplay mode in time.

            The additional unlockable “Mystery Modes” offer intriguing examples of furthering the mechanic of the Classic Mode, without straying too far from the beaten path. Twilight Mode, as an example, offers alternating Gem entrances after every set is matched, though only from the top and bottom.

            Graphically, Bejeweled 2 isn’t exactly a visual treat, but it’s certainly easier on the eye than most similar titles. Each Menu is clear and concise and the backgrounds offer a pleasant variety. The voice-over commentating on your performance appears to have been influenced by the early releases in the Mortal Kombat series a little too much, just stopping short of exclaiming “toasty!” at regular intervals.

            Bejeweled 2 isn’t groundbreaking work, but it isn’t meant to be. The game provides a pleasant experience without ever being too demanding, fits within the expectations of it’s genre and provides a surprising amount of depth for it’s considerably low price-tag. Though it might not receive the attention it deserves on the crowded PlayStation Store, there’s certainly few similar games that are as deserved of it.

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