Avanquest Software Publishing is to release Jewel Quest Mysteries: Curse of the Emerald Tear for the Nintendo DS. Following on from the hugely successful original match-three puzzle game, an additional hidden object element has been added that sees players travel to ancient Egypt in search of lost objects. Using an Archaeologist’s notebook, players select a quest and then undertake tasks from one of two game genres.
In hidden object mode players are presented with a picture screen and must seek out treasures and jewels immersed in rich Egyptian scenery. To make the search more challenging, random clicking is discouraged by a 30 second penalty for selecting an item three or more times without result. All objects must also be found in a certain amount of time and are cleverly hidden within the detailed landscapes.
During the match-three gameplay mode, individual jewels must be moved about a board via adjacent squares so that a sequence of three or more match. The matching gems then vanish and are replaced by new ones, which filter down from the top as the tiles behind the matching gems turn to gold. The ultimate goal is to turn all of the tiles on the entire puzzle gold by matching gems.
Players can collect gold coins and gems, which can be used to purchase upgrades such as longer time limits, hints and tips for finding jewels and the ability to hold more coins. Jewel Quest Mysteries: Curse of the Emerald Tear also includes Mysteryville, a free hidden object adventure game that features addictive mini challenges such as tile-swapping and card matching.
Jewel Quest Mysteries: Curse of the Emerald Tear sees married archaeologists, Rupert and Emma hunt for the Emerald Tear Jewel Board, rumoured to have inexplicable powers. As the story progresses, Rupert falls into a sudden coma and players must guide Emma on a quest for clues to save her husband’s life. Players will explore the lives of historical figures including Alexander the Great and Tutankhamun along the way.
Fast facts:
Publisher: Avanquest Software Publishing
Developer: iWin
Distributor: Centresoft, Gem Distribution, Ideal Software, Interactive Ideas
Release date: 23rd April
PEGI: 3
Format: Nintendo DS
Genre: Puzzle/Casual
SRP: £24.99