.NET Architects Inc. has released a handful of Windows Phone 7 games over at the Marketplace. One game that stands out is a Bejeweled-styled game, U.N.I. Jewel Puzzle.
The game concept is similar to that game it is modeled after. Swap out jewels to create combination of three or more of the same jewel to earn points. As you create these combination's, the jewels disappear and the playing field is replenished from the top of the screen.
To read more on U.N.I. Jewel Puzzle, follow the break.
To make things interesting, Jewel Puzzle includes bonus jewels that explode and destroy similar jewels on the field for extra points. The game also includes three game modes.
Normal is a level based game where as you earn points, you advance in levels. A status bar runs across the bottom of the screen to show you how far you are from advancing. As you advance through the levels, the combination of jewels become harder to find and your moves more strategic.
Timed has you racing against a timer. As you create the jewel combinations, the clock slows down. The status bar that runs along the bottom of the screen becomes a countdown timer. You also advance through levels with the Timed mode and as you advance, the clock moves a little faster and the combinations harder to pick out.
Infinite is the third game mode which is a game of endurance. As with the other two modes, you can advance in levels.
As you progress up the levels of play, the background changes to keep things from getting stale. Each gaming mode has a Hint Button to help you along if you can't pick up a combination. You also have a "Auto Hint" that will automatically highlight a move after a few seconds of inactivity. You can turn off the "Auto Hint" feature from the settings menu.
Game Play
Game play isn't much different than Bejeweled. I do like the graphics and vibration effects that happen when you use an exploding jewel. It gives the game a nice feel of destruction.
The jewel styles are distinguishable but two (the white diamond and pinkish diamond) are close enough in appearance to make you think twice before moving. Movements were smooth and the game itself, ran smoothly as well.
Overall Impression
I liked U.N.I. Jewel Puzzle. While it's modeled after Bejeweled, it represents the original very well. Game play was smooth, the three modes gives the game variety, and it shares the addictive quality of the original. You don't have the Xbox Live achievements of Bejeweled Live, but that may not be a problem for some.
U.N.I. Jewel Puzzle is an entertaining, addictive, free game that would compliment anyone's Windows Phone 7 gaming library. You can download your copy here (opens Zune) at the Marketplace.
