The popular puzzler hits the iPhone/iPod Touch platform intact, with perfect control and Facebook connectivity.

Game Summary

Popzara Rating

Aside from its exotic-themed plot and presentation, Jewel Quest Deluxe doesn’t deviate from its winning formula. It's a puzzle game that even the most casual gamer can pick up and enjoy on the go. Fans will find much to love here, and there's no question the touch-interface suits this franchise very well. The option to instantly upload to Facebook is a nice bonus, and should keep what's otherwise a casual experience more competitive. It may the same dog without a lot of new tricks, but it’s fun nonetheless. Jewel Quest Deluxe is a fantastic choice for any puzzle fan, though frankly, it’s just more Puzzle Quest on the iPhone/iPod and not much more. Release Date: 06/12/09 ESRB Rating: E Publisher: I-Play

Written by Herman Exum

As the support for Apple's iPhone/iPod Touch grows, so does the number of popular genres making their way into the platform's growing App store.  While there's no shortage of newer, more complex games for the service, if there's anything a hardened mobile gamer can tell you with a straight face, it's that few genres are as well-suited to the mobile market as puzzle games.  Take Jewel Quest Deluxe, which is a modest re-release of the popular casual puzzle game already seen on PC and many other platforms. This one is more of the same, but in this case that’s hardly a bad thing.

Like its predecessor, Jewel Quest Deluxe for the iPhone/iPod Touch involves a “match 3” puzzle system that’s played on an 8x8 grid. By swapping various diamonds, emeralds, gold coins, and other items to create a group of at least three in a row you will clear a randomly generated board. You'll be racing against your opponent, so you need to be quick, before the time runs out. Depending on the difficulty levels, there are constant challenges that keep the variety fresh enough to keep most hooked, and the touch screen controls compliment the addictively easy play mechanics.

Another cool feature it boasts is the ability to attract some interested newcomers with its Facebook Connect feature.  Facebook Connect posts your game achievements on your wall and friends’ news feed. Not that I'd ever want to share my somewhat meager accomplishments with the world (its better this way), but for the millions of socially-networked fans of the franchise, being able to boast globally at the touch of a button seems like too much fun to pass up.

Aside from its exotic-themed plot and presentation, Jewel Quest Deluxe doesn’t deviate from its winning formula. It's a puzzle game that even the most casual gamer can pick up and enjoy on the go.  Fans will find much to love here, and there's no question the touch-interface suits this franchise very well.  The option to instantly upload to Facebook is a nice bonus, and should keep what's otherwise a casual experience more competitive.  It may the same dog without a lot of new tricks, but it’s fun nonetheless.  Jewel Quest Deluxe is a fantastic choice for any puzzle fan, though frankly, it’s just more Puzzle Quest on the iPhone/iPod  and not much more.