Pros: gripping storyline presented in stunning visuals, innovative twist of a classic game play.
Cons: limited power-ups, playing field moves at the beginning of each level.
The ancient precepts that control the wise use of the mightiest powers of nature have been broken. The magic altars have been destroyed and no longer yield the energy of life. And now, the four elements rage, and only you can save their once wonderful land. To bring back the powerful kingdom you have to unlock 4 ancient books, collect 16 mysterious cards, and master the powers of Earth, Fire, Air, and Water to bring hope back to the kingdom. A long road lies ahead but you won’t be alone, a tiny yet mighty fairy aide will accompany you. Are you ready to hit the road for this perilous journey? Let’s start!
4 Elements stands out among other games as a breath of fresh air. Though it is a match-3 game, it skillfully blends hidden objects and spot-the-difference mini-games, where you compare details on beautifully-drawn magical cards, which is a marvelous twist.
As play begins, your initial task is to find broken items in different scenes. Once you put these items together you unlock a cave where one of four magical books is stored. Each book contains four magic cards apiece that are revealed at the conclusion of four gem-matching levels: with 16 levels per book you get 64 levels in the entire game.
As in standard 3-matching games, you are required match gems to remove them from the playing field. The tiles beneath are cleared, making a path for energy to flow to the altar at the end of the level and the playing field moves. A map lets you see where you are on relation to the altar.
As you progress, the game increases in difficulty and introduces extra tile layers, frozen jewels, stones and unmovable blocks that require multiple matches to clear. They also add four bonuses four: Spade, Bomb, Swap and Reshuffle. The Spade clears a single tile; the Bomb explodes removing multiple game pieces; Swap changes the position of two adjoining gems, and; Reshuffle shifts all game pieces.
After each four-level stage a magic card is revealed are you are asked to find the differences between the original and its corrupted form. Disparities aren’t too difficult to identify, but in case you get stuck, hints are always available.
As to the graphics, 4 Elements has beautifully animated artwork. With spectacular visual effects and a fascinating storyline told in amazing animation, this game is a load of fun. Each ‘page’ in the game’s book of magic is painted with dragons, griffins, dwarves, and more, complete with descriptive text. The fantasy-based story can be re-read from the pages of the books at any time.
4 Elements is a well executed game. The only weakness is that after some levels the game gets a bit repetitious and a couple of challenging levels would be welcome. Match-3 gamers will definitely appreciate the innovative twists presented in 4 Elements. It’s got everything you ever like in a casual game wrapped in a nice package.
Pros: gripping storyline presented in stunning visuals, innovative twist of a classic game play.
4 Elements stands out among other games as a breath of fresh air. Though it is a match-3 game, it skillfully blends hidden objects and spot-the-difference mini-games, where you compare details on beautifully-drawn magical cards, which is a marvelous twist.
As you progress, the game increases in difficulty and introduces extra tile layers, frozen jewels, stones and unmovable blocks that require multiple matches to clear. They also add four bonuses four: Spade, Bomb, Swap and Reshuffle. The Spade clears a single tile; the Bomb explodes removing multiple game pieces; Swap changes the position of two adjoining gems, and; Reshuffle shifts all game pieces.
As to the graphics, 4 Elements has beautifully animated artwork. With spectacular visual effects and a fascinating storyline told in amazing animation, this game is a load of fun. Each ‘page’ in the game’s book of magic is painted with dragons, griffins, dwarves, and more, complete with descriptive text. The fantasy-based story can be re-read from the pages of the books at any time.
