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Underwater Action
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In the past I have played and reviewed several Suricate Software titles. As a result I have got use to being faced with a gaming environment featuring the main game complemented with a scene building reward for making progress in the main game. This next titles of Jewel Match Aquascapes 2 follows a similar pattern. This title is available in Collector's Edition format which forms the basis of my review.
Prior to entering the Aquascapes environment, Suricate Software gives the player a range of customisation options to create their preferred playing atmosphere. Profiles can be created with adjustments made to different volume aspects. The game can be viewed in full screen mode with adjustable background brightness. Further options are available to customise the tile set used within the game along with the pointer and background music with the game being played in Relaxed mode or with a restricted number of Moves or Time limitation within a normal, advanced or extreme difficulty setting.
The main focus of the game is handled by Match 3 action covering 120 levels which are set out in a wandering line of stepping stones which you need to traverse along by completing a series of grids that feature large style tiles. In should comes as no surprise to players of earlier Suricate Software Match 3 offerings to hear that this particular titles often requires the completion of numerous linked grids in order to complete a particular level. In some cases you might need to switch to another grid in order to find a key that is required to open an area from another grid.
While working your way through the various grids featuring in the 120 levels, you will encounter elements made up of gold, pieces, amulets, stars and pearls. Depending upon the type of element, these items can be used to provide a specific purpose. For example some elements can be used to purchase items, decorate certain scenes and buildings plus unlock bonus games.
Rather than present the player with a list of the type of tiles that need removing in order to complete a grid, you will be challenged to clear a certain area of the grid. This area will be highlighted by being coloured orange. The completing of the grids making up a level is carried out by a combination of creating groups of three or more similar tiles by swapping two adjacent tiles and using various power-ups that are produced during work carried out within the grid.
The power-ups that are featured in the underwater grids react in different ways. Fortunately this product has its own Strategy Guide, a facility that normally is to be found in Hidden Object adventure games, containing information regarding the creation and use of the power-ups. You can also use the Strategy Guide to discover more about the Puzzle and Pearl levels that form part of the game play plus bonus games that appear from time to time. There is also information of how best to deal with tiles that include multi-hit, magic compass, amulets and conveyor belts to suit your purpose.
As each of the 120 levels is completed, you will be rewarded with gold and stars that can be used to carry out adjustments by adding elements to certain wallpaper type scenes including five interior scenes. You can also gather collectible fish for adding to your personal aquarium feature. Having completed these various tasks, you can then move on to the additional Collector's Edition content. This will bring into play an extra 80 levels of Match 3 grid action plus four interior scenes and the opportunity to test your skill level with Spot the Difference puzzles, jigsaws and Clutter game play.
With the amount of content waiting for you to master, it is not surprising that the game can take a little time to move between its various options but the wait is not too excessive. You will need to set aside numerous hours of playing time to even scratch the surface of the goodies on offer with this product. I downloaded my copy of the game from Gamehouse.com where it is priced at $19.99. The game is also available for downloading from Big Fish Games priced at £15.82. The game requires a 1.2 GHz processor with 512MB of RAM and 741MB of hard disk space running Windows 7 and later.
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