Earlier this month, publisher 505 Games acquired Infinity Plus Two, the Australian studio that created the match-three / RPG hybrid series Puzzle Quest. 505 Games have been announced this morning Puzzle Quest 3, a free sequel that takes place 500 years after the original.
A direct follow-up to the surprise success of 2007 Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlords, Puzzle Quest 3 will once again see players traveling the world of Etheria, competing in individual battles against fantastic creatures combining gems to harvest resources, accustomed to cast powerful spells and abilities. The official announcement mentions a “3D gaming world,” which is new to the series, as well as some kind of unexplained gameplay twist. I guess we’ll find out more as we get closer to the initial version for mobiles and computers. Here is a trailer.
As one of the biggest and most passionate fans of the original game, I am very cautious with enthusiasm. I worry about what the free play change means. What will monetization be like? Collectible characters? Purchasing powers? It makes me shudder to think. On the other hand, it’s a numbered sequel and not another free-licensed spin-off Marvel Puzzle Quest, and is being developed by the original studio, so I have hope.