Big news in the land of casual gaming today: PopCap just released Bejeweled Twist for sale.

• Bejeweled Twist (www.popcap.com) – PopCap’s latest version of Bejeweled introduces the concept of rotation instead of swapping. In this version you rotate a 2×2 block of gems 90 degrees clockwise with each move.
• In-Depth on Bejeweled Twist (www.gamasutra.com) – In-depth article on the launch party for the game along with some details on how PopCap uses the “mom test” on their games.

PopCap has been working on this version of Bejeweled for 4 years now. They said that they basically had the game working after a year and they’ve spent the last 3 years refining and polishing it, as well as making it easier to pick up and play. I suspect that the main reason for the 4 year delay is because Bejeweled and Bejeweled 2 were still making them oodles of cash. Why release a new version if you’re still making a few million bucks a year off the older titles?

The biggest shock to me is that the game introduces the use of bombs as an end condition for the game. The previous two versions of the game ended when there were no more moves available to the player. However, with the new rotation mechanic (in which you’re allowed to rotate even if it doesn’t form a match) I’m not sure it’s ever possible to run out of moves. I guess they needed something in there (like the bombs) to ensure that the game ends at some point.

The game also tracks a bunch of cool stats that you get to see at the end of the game (best move in terms of gems, cascades, or points; % of points from special items; the number of each kind of special item you received). It’s pretty cool. At the end of the game you can also watch instant replays of your three best moves, which is really cool.

I played the demo for about an hour this morning and I’m pretty impressed. It’s very much like the other Bejeweled games, but with more complexity and depth there to appeal to people who really understand the game. I took a lot of notes while playing, as this is the kind of game I hold up as the ultimate goal in terms of presentation and polish. Few casual game companies produce games of such a high quality. If I can get anywhere close with my game, I’ll be very happy.

Owen

This entry was posted on Wednesday, October 29th, 2008 at 8:39 am and is filed under Design. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.