Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlords

 DS
Metascore
82

Generally favorable reviews - based on 41 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 37 out of 41
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 41
  3. Negative: 1 out of 41
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  1. GameShark
    91
    In the end, that’s all this game is about: experience. The time you spend earning it is well worth it, not just because it makes your hero stronger but also because of the additive fun you have along the way.
  2. GamePro
    90
    Deep and engaging puzzle action with a heaping tablespoon of RPG elements on top. Should come with a warning label--it's that addictive.
  3. Gamers' Temple
    90
    Portable RPGs have become pretty stale of late, and Puzzle Quest is just the breath of fresh air the genre needs.
  5. The Sydney Morning Herald
    90
    So addictive it should come with a warning sticker on the box.
  6. games(TM)
    90
    Puzzle Quest’s battles demand so much and give so much in return that players will find themselves hunting down every optional fight and undertaking each side quest in order to squeeze every last drop of gameplay from this utterly absorbing adventure. [June 2007, p.110]
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  7. Gaming Nexus
    90
    Even if you're not into puzzlers or role-playing games, this is definitely one game you can't let slip by.
  8. NintendoWorldReport
    90
    Puzzle game fans should be pleasantly surprised at how the simplistic Bejeweled gameplay is twisted and enhanced to keep engaging your brain.
  9. IGN
    89
    What a pleasant surprise Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlords turned out to be. The unlikely marriage of puzzle gameplay with RPG mechanics makes for one of the most addictive DS experiences yet.
  10. netjak
    89
    The game isn't pretty and can be frustrating when the A.I. decides there's no bleeping way you're winning a fight, but an addictive battle system and surprisingly in-depth RPG elements will keep most players interested for a long time.
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  11. Games Master UK
    89
    Coming completely out of nowhere, this is a brilliant mix of puzzling and advertising. [June 2007, p.68]
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  12. Cheat Code Central
    88
    This game has taken the best aspects of two winning genres and created an experience that is both original and rewarding. Both puzzle hounds and dungeon crawlers alike will find this game to be just what the doctor ordered.
  13. Deeko
    85
    If you are a puzzle fan and hate role-playing games, you'll love it. If you're a role-playing lover who despises puzzle games, you'll want to hug it.
  14. Worth Playing
    85
    Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlords has a truly unique concept and includes the ability to appeal to both role-playing and puzzle fans alike.
  15. Just RPG
    85
    All in all, Puzzle Quest is an addictive experience that should easily please both the hardcore and casual gamer. The enjoyable puzzle-style gameplay and the easy learning curve also make it a great way to introduce newcomers to the RPG genre.
  16. PALGN
    85
    A worthwhile addition to anyone’s DS collection. And if you love puzzle games, then you won’t be disappointed with Puzzle Quest.
  17. 1UP
    85
    The majority of my Puzzle Quest hours were logged on the DS, and though the PSP version does look a hell of a lot nicer, I liked the convenience of the stylus for moving puzzle blocks.
  18. Nintendojo
    85
    Kudos to 1st Playable for combining two great genres that surprisingly play great together.
  19. AtomicGamer
    84
    The story won't win any awards, but you can always skip it and just get right to the meat of the game.
  20. GamerNode
    84
    Puzzle Quest is just plain great. The PSP is the better version, but if you only have a DS you should still pick it up.
  21. Game Almighty
    83
    Easily the best puzzle game yet released on the DS.
  22. Game Informer
    83
    The AI seems insanely good one minute then misses an obvious attack the next, and the story is completely throwaway, but there is enough gameplay here to keep puzzle fans busy for a long time. [May 2007, p.99]
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  23. The A.V. Club
    83
    More compelling than a glorified Flash game ought to be.
  24. Game Revolution
    83
    For either system, Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlords is a portable addiction, and while I recommend the PSP version, the DS game is almost as good.
  25. GameSpot
    81
    The parts may seem commonplace, but Puzzle Quest's blend of RPG and puzzle-game convention makes for something refreshingly unique and dangerously addictive.
  26. GamesRadar+
    80
    The PSP version loads a bit more slowly but looks better, and the DS version features lightning-fast loads but tosses in slightly sluggish, clunky touch-controls.
  27. GameSpy
    80
    A gaming experience unlike any other available today, and one that you absolutely shouldn't miss.
  28. GameZone
    80
    A solid, entertaining slice of dual-genre pie. I like the puzzle fighting, I liked the plot, I liked the game.
  29. Modojo
    80
    An addictive, entertaining affair that takes a little bit of patience and learning to get down the basics. Once learned, however, you'll be hooked in no time flat and unwilling to turn a cold shoulder to it.
  30. GameDaily
    80
    Sure, the puzzle format looks like the classic PDA/online/cell phone favorite, but 1st Playable Productions has wisely blended in some RPG components, which rewards gamers with an incredibly deep experience.
  31. WHAM! Gaming
    80
    Don’t be put off by this oddball mixture of a casual puzzle game and a fantasy role-playing adventure. Puzzle Quest is stellar as both, and amazingly addictive.
  32. Eurogamer
    80
    It has excellent local wireless multiplayer.
  33. Pocket Gamer UK
    80
    Puzzle Quest very successfully mixes the depth of an RPG with a neat puzzle-based battle mode.
  34. Nintendo Gamer
    80
    "Zoo Keeper: The RPG." As barmy as that might sound, that's about the best way to describe PQ: CTW. [June 2007, p.71]
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  35. G4 TV
    80
    It’s a fun game, wherever the credit is due.
  36. Thunderbolt
    80
    It's a perfect game for handhelds, combining the simplicity of puzzles with the addictive nature of RPGs. Even though it sounds like the result of an executive meeting gone horribly awry, Puzzle Quest is actually a great piece of synergy.
  37. Gamestyle
    80
    It’s an interesting idea taking both of these two distinctively different genres are brought together, and for the most part they work.
  38. Detroit Free Press
    75
    A must-have for anyone who loves both RPGs and puzzles, and will probably delight anyone who's a fan of either genre.
  39. The New York Times
    73
    The game does an admirable job of adding some strategic depth and complexity to the casual game model without losing its pick-up-and-play nature.
  40. AceGamez
    70
    Stands on its own as a weird hybrid between RPG and puzzle games. Although the morphing process is not without its flaws, the final result is highly interesting.
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  41. Official Nintendo Magazine UK
    56
    The genre-mixing is a nice enough idea but you end up with an exhausted puzzler with some pretty flimsy RPG elements tacked on. It all seems a little flat. [May 2007, p.90]
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  42. Nintendo Power
    40
    Also, the fact that enemy AI just happens to execute almost every move with near-perfection by lining up multiple turns in a row makes for some frustrating gameplay. [May 2007, p.87]
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Awards & Rankings

9
#9 Best DS Game of 2007
18
#18 Most Discussed DS Game of 2007
22
#22 Most Shared DS Game of 2007

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.3

Generally favorable reviews- based on 37 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 32 out of 37
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 37
  3. Negative: 4 out of 37
  1. purre
    Feb 27, 2012
    7
    Solid RPG-puzzler, though you have to like match-3 gameplay quite a bit to get the most of it. Graphics are nice, with 2D-manga inspiredSolid RPG-puzzler, though you have to like match-3 gameplay quite a bit to get the most of it. Graphics are nice, with 2D-manga inspired themes, but the game looks significantly better on bigger platforms (not to mention eye-strain due to whole board fitting the lower screen!). Sounds are decent, though the music quality also got hit a bit in the DS version of the game. There is certainly many things to do - lots of side-quests to complete, items to collect and monsters to catch. I'm fine with Bejeweled, but the fights can get a bit repetitive after some time, they are not too challenging and you might want to have a strong, high-level mount later in the game to evade encounters and speed things up. Story is your standard fantasy fare, but allows for some branching and can be a little more interesting for fans of Etheria, now-defunct Warlords series universe. Great game for fans of match-3 and RPGs, recommended if you loved Warlords (not much to play nowadays), rest of you can take a look, but it is not a must have in my opinion.… Full Review »
  2. CoryG.
    Jan 15, 2008
    9
    Puzzle Quest is easily the most addicting and fun game to come out on the DS in a very long time. The battle system is fantastic enough to Puzzle Quest is easily the most addicting and fun game to come out on the DS in a very long time. The battle system is fantastic enough to keep you interested through the otherwise boring story mode. The four different classes each play differantly enough to encourage multiple playthroughs, and each playthrough will last you easily over 10 hours, even without doing all the sidequests. Some annoying AI and s few bugs hold it back slightly, but the DS is still the best version of the game available, thanks to the dual screen layout and touch controls. Highly recommended.… Full Review »
  3. MattA.
    Nov 15, 2007
    8
    This game is very addictive, and overall fun to play. The story is absolutely rediculous at times, and i laughed out loud at some of the This game is very addictive, and overall fun to play. The story is absolutely rediculous at times, and i laughed out loud at some of the dialogue. But the gameplay makes up for it, once you gain enough experience and are able to stand a fight against the sometimes self-favoring AI. This is a small problem, though, and as stated before is easily compensated for when you have more experience. The crashes are not that bad because the game saves after every battle, so nothing is really majorily lost. Solid game. 7.8 out 10.… Full Review »
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