Bejeweled 3 XBLA - Quick Look

PopCap Games recently released their flagship Bejeweled 3 on Xbox Live. Now Microsofties can also enjoy the pleasure of completely wasting their time. The company is always so nice to accommodate us with their progress, so we’re more than willing to offer a little insight as to the differences between the versions.

Essentially, the game is the same as our reviewed version, so any specific details can be picked up from there. Yet, there are two noticeable differences, one of them being deadly obvious. Naturally, a PC and console have different input and as such, the Xbox version needs to be played with a controller. Controls are super easy, as it’s just rearranging gems and watching them disappear. But the downside is that it isn’t as practical as a mouse that roams freely over the screen. Having to cross the screen manually with the control stick undeniably slows down play, which gets tricky in the fastest modes of Bejeweled, such as Ice mode and especially Lightning. Some games require breakneck dexterity in due time and at that moment it can become troublesome to keep up. Though, it should be reminded that everyone is in the same boat, so leaderscores won’t reflect this too much.

Secondly, and this is a more esthetic problem, playing on larger screens can actually be a downside, in order to keep a general view. Playing Bejeweled requires players to be aware of all possible combinations ideally and not grasping the full playboard at all times can stunt that a bit. Again, this isn’t a direct flaw, but it’s good to keep it in mind.

More specifically though, there are the standard incentives to pick up this version, such as Achievements, but also proving one’s superiority in Leaderboards. And in general, Bejeweled 3 still offers the same widespread variety and addictive gameplay that made the original a prime title. Quest mode still immediately recaptured our attention with its fun mini-games and unlocking new modes came quickly, while still being entertaining. Zen mode is now the perfect stepping up platform for new users to get used to the mechanics and control scheme, while staying relaxed. More advanced players can work their way through more and more challenging modes and look at Lightning as a form of ultimate showdown.

So while the PC is still the prime platform for Bejeweled 3, the overall universal appeal of this game hasn’t dwindled one bit. The sheer amount of differing and entertaining content will make sure to ruin people’s productivity worldwide again. Online enthusiasts can start toppling each other and completionists have their work cut out for them, which gives even more reason for playing. The controls are hindering, but nowhere near troublesome, as the simplicity is way too efficient for that. All-round, this is just the same solid performance.

Daav Valentaten, NoobFeed. (@Daavpuke)