Bejeweled Multiplayer (Mobile)

GameSpot editors' review

• CNET editors' rating: 4.5 stars Outstanding
  Detailed editors' rating
  Overall score: 9.4 (4.5 stars)

• Reviewed by:
  Matthew Bellows
• Reviewed on: 01/01/2004
• Updated on: 06/17/2004
• Originally published on GameSpot: Bejeweled Multiplayer (Mobile) Review

Demivision and Jamdat have given millions of Bejeweled fans the world around cause to celebrate. Bejeweled Multiplayer is more than just a masterful mobile port; its multiplayer functionality is second to none and will keep any puzzle fan coming back for more.

The basic rules of Bejeweled Multiplayer are the same as the original PopCap game. By switching adjacent gems, you create runs of three or more identical stones. With each switch, the string of identical gems disappears, the ones above the string drop down, and you continue matching. The game lasts as long as your timer does, with successful matches earning you more time to play.

The Demivision/Jamdat version adds three new wrinkles. First of all, you play against someone else. Secondly, at least four kinds of bombs can be found on the board, each of which has a different and fairly devastating effect on your opponent. Thirdly, you can use the multiplayer feature anywhere in the world.

You can start a two-player game by choosing an opponent by a range of criteria (including wins/losses or skill level) or by being matched with the first available opponent. While you wait for a match, you can play against the computer. With more and more people playing every day, the wait is getting shorter. When you first encounter your opponent, you see his or her skill level and win/loss record, and then you begin. The Bejeweled board materializes before you, and in the right corner, you also see your opponent's game. The timer, instead of moving right to left toward zero, shows both your time and your opponent's time remaining.

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