Having played the demo of Puzzle Hero, one can draw parallels to many other games. In Puzzle Hero you collect coins to buy equipment like in Cradle of Rome or you fight with monsters like in Bookworm Adventures, and the game resembles the original Puzzle Quest. Puzzle Hero combines the basis of match-three puzzles with some light role-playing, tactical and strategic game play. I won’t go as far as to say that the game is ‘innovative’ as it strongly mimics existing games, but it combines them in such a way that deserves a few words of praise.
In the game’s story your brother, Tristan, is kidnapped by Zalock and his evil Army of Darkness, and you have to free him, which instigates a huge battle! You fight against 50 fantastical monsters that guard the road to the Kingdom of Fog.
During a battle, each side takes turns making a match from the chips on the board. Matching swords will create an attack whereas matching potions will help to heal any damage done by your opponent. But the monsters can do the same and to beat the level you must kill him before he does you.
There are other rewards to be earned as well. For example, shields charge your super-shield power-up whereas Minotaur heads help make a super-attack. Laurel crowns raise your experience and coins can be spent on armor or weapons to enhance your attack and defense capabilities.
You are not limited in time so you can hunt to find the best available combo to inflict the monster with the greatest amount of damage or go on the defensive. In addition, the game grants you an extra turn if you match more than three—but be careful, you’ll lose a turn if you make an illegal move. But watch out, the monsters won’t miss a good combination of swords! There are also boss monsters that are stronger than the normal.
As you progress, you unlock more weapons that you can buy. Since you see the hero walk and fight, a nice feature that they’ve added is that you have the ability to change your avatar’s appearance in the salon.
In addition to regular modes of play, the game has an Arena Mode where you can battle against any of the monsters you've unlocked during the campaign mode.
All in all, Puzzle Hero is a successful attempt to breathe life into a fading match 3 genre. It’s a nice mixture of puzzles and adventure, artwork and music. It definitely provides enjoyable entertainment and amusing past time. Adventure and glory await you in Puzzle Hero!
USER COMMENTS:
USER COMMENTS:
Liv Tolver 21 posts
2008/07/25 04:53
WOW! I am pleasantly surprised. It is a fresh decision for an old genre. Match 3 combines well with a bit of action. The most pleasan thing is that you don't fight directly but with the strategic moves on the board. Everything depends not on your experince in fighting games but on how well you match the pieces.
Perfect quolity game.
BOO! 7 posts
2008/07/25 05:05
This game is set up exactly like Bookworm Adventures. Though you play match 3, but all the rest of the game is ripped from Bookworm Adventures which is not good.
Quote
Liv Tolver wrote:
WOW! I am pleasantly surprised. It is a fresh decision for an old genre. Match 3 combines well with a bit of action. The most pleasan thing is that you don't fight directly but with the strategic moves on the board. Everything depends not on your experince in fighting games but on how well you match the pieces.
Perfect quolity game.
bob 13 posts
2008/07/25 05:06
[QUOTE]BOO! wrote:
This game is set up exactly like Bookworm Adventures. Though you play match 3, but all the rest of the game is ripped from Bookworm Adventures which is not good.
bob 13 posts
2008/07/25 05:06
[QUOTE]bob wrote:
[QUOTE]BOO! wrote:
This game is set up exactly like Bookworm Adventures. Though you play match 3, but all the rest of the game is ripped from Bookworm Adventures which is not good.[/QUOTE]
Agreed. The setup is entirely like Bookworm Adventures. The picture of the game doesn’t say much about it though.
tina 9 posts
2008/07/25 05:07
Love everything about it. It’s not another hidden objects game which I don’t like much. It’s more than just puzzle but a real battle. You play against monsters, which are 50, whimsical in their design and varied from level to level. Depending on your need you match swords, potions, shields or Minotaur heads for super-attack. My demo time is about to run out. I think I’ll buy it.
Sandra 19 posts
2008/07/25 05:08
You are not limited in time so you can choose a better combo to inflict the monster a greater damage. Besides the game grants you an extra turn if you match more than three or vice versa lose a turn if you make an illegal move. So we have equal chances of winning or losing. But watch out since the monster won’t miss a good combination of swords!
John 14 posts
2008/07/25 05:09
The most pleasant thing I liked about the game is the ability to customize your character, i.e. it’s appearance and equipment. Match coins to spend them in the village saloon or visit a local shop for a new shield or armour.
Loo 31 posts
2008/07/25 05:09
My friend bought this game and advised me to do the same. The picture of the game doesn't say much. The game is really GREAT. I can't stop playing. Not usual match 3. You burn tiles and produce an effect: fight, collect money, improve health. You have to think which items to burn and I like it. You have equal chances to win or lose with your beast opponent. That's INCREDIBLE!!!!
miri 12 posts
2008/07/25 05:10
Can you guys explain me the advantage of all these equipments in the shop? Do they increase my power? I don’t have a clue of all these numbers that change depending on what armour I choose.
Liky 9 posts
2008/07/25 05:19
I love that game! Usually I am against violence. But in puzzle hero it is not the same. This is for girls who like to fight but can't stand blood! Interesting logic puzzle, especially for those who got sick and tired of identical match threes.
Winter 11 posts
2008/07/25 05:32
I like that i can create my heroine myself. I can choose skintones, hair, clothes etc. I love it. But here you have to be careful. Some items like swords or shields can be important for your success.
Sam 40 posts
2008/11/05 09:24
A pretty nice game. No actual fighting. You play match-3 puzzle to defeat the monster. A fresh and interesting idea. The visuals are bright and attractive. Very enjoyable game!!! I strongly recommend it.
Having played the demo of 
During a battle, each side takes turns making a match from the chips on the board. Matching swords will create an attack whereas matching potions will help to heal any damage done by your opponent. But the monsters can do the same and to beat the level you must kill him before he does you. 
You are not limited in time so you can hunt to find the best available combo to inflict the monster with the greatest amount of damage or go on the defensive. In addition, the game grants you an extra turn if you match more than three—but be careful, you’ll lose a turn if you make an illegal move. But watch out, the monsters won’t miss a good combination of swords! There are also boss monsters that are stronger than the normal. 
As you progress, you unlock more weapons that you can buy. Since you see the hero walk and fight, a nice feature that they’ve added is that you have the ability to change your avatar’s appearance in the salon.
Cradle Of Rome
