Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlords Member Review for the PSP

The Good: RPG and puzzle elements uniquely combined, charming music, colorful graphics, great story, long campaign

The Bad: Some cheap AI, some gameplay elements are too hard, no infrastructure, no downloadable content

After seeing all the GotY awards for this game I finally picked it up because it was bugging me...and boy am I glad I did. I've never really been the type for puzzle games but this has changed. Mixing RPG elements into a puzzle games is odd and can easily be ruined. It works like this: You have four different colored gems (mana), purple stars (experience), coins, and skulls (to dwindle down your enemies' life). You match three pieces up either horizontally or vertically and you try to get 4 or 5 in a row. Now the RPG element has you wielding spells i.e. Throw Axe will do 4 damage plus 1+ for every skull in play and it requires a certain amount of colored gems. You can buy equipment and armor i.e. a Dwarf Helmet gives you a 50% chance of blocking 1 damage for every 2 or more damage you take. This is all very simple and easy to understand it's ADDICTIVE!

While there is a story it's surprisingly good. You are an Agarian Knight who is trying to stop an evil sorcerer known as Lord Bane from taking your people and turning them into his Undead army. The game sports a 30-40 hour campaign and you won't get bored trust me. While this is great and all there are a few flaws such as the AI being really cheap sometimes and certain gameplay elements are too tough until later on such as capturing cities, enemies, and certain boss fights. The music is very charming and sets the mood just right as well. So, if you want a cool puzzle game that's new, and will keep you busy then pick this up.