Puzzle Quest 2 is definitely worth checking out, and while I wish the soundtrack had been improved upon more it's pretty much the only thing I didn't enjoy about this sequel.
I just started playing Puzzle Quest 2 even though I didn't fully complete Puzzle Quest 1 (but I got a good way through it). I was afraid about the reviews that they did away with the overhead map which I do miss. But so far I really enjoy the way it walks you through the 3d map with 2 or 3 of 4 directions to go on each screen or bad guys to battle or people to talk to. What I really like with Puzzle Quest 2 is the variety of missions they integrated with the matching gem game but they kept the gem matching the game similar to Puzzle Quest 1. For example, to 'knock down a temple door' involves matching a # of door gems within a certain number of moves while putting out a fire involves matching a # of blue gems. Battling a bad guy involves a strategy of accumulating magna (ie. gem colors) where it will give you spells (more damage) type attacks. The objective being the same as Puzzle Quest 1 which is to defeat the bad guy/complete the quest to gain more spells which do more damage points to the enemy once you accumulate the gem colors required by matching them. The nice twist I've found with Puzzle Quest 2 is the different types of quests to complete and gem challenges. I didn't like the latest Puzzle Quest (Galactrix) where they changed the gem grid to oval versus the square drop down look of gem movement. I like Puzzle Quest 2 so far because it's like Puzzle Quest 1 except with new unique puzzles. I do wish they had put in an overhead map type button but so far I'm getting used to the 3d screen by screen movement and don't miss it enough to prevent me from buy the game. It's a great game to jump into for a few hours of addicting fun 4 or 5 nights of the week. For 800 credits and available on demand, it's worth the money I paid for the number of hours it's kept me occupied so far and will in the future. Once you get past missing the overhead map and if you like the same Puzzle Quest 1 gem matching game, Puzzle Quest 2 is really enjoyable. Puzzle Quest 1 was also a good deal for the 800 credits. The more I played it and understood the incredible depth and adventure involved (not just a simple gem matching game) the more I've liked the Puzzle Quest 1 and 2 games.
Puzzle Quest 2 draws inspiration from its roots and offers sleek and enjoyable gameplay. Do quests, gather treasures, fight monsters and solve puzzles in this very entertaining game. The story and roleplaying elements have been toned down, but the result is still a great puzzle game.
This sequel goes light on the role-playing but still presents a compelling puzzle experience that's as enjoyable and addictive as the original Puzzle Quest.
The Original Puzzle Quest was a masterpiece in it's genre, easy gameplay to get to grips with but difficult to master, a map that makes it is easy travel to each location and a story that while not award winning is charming in it's own way. Puzzle Quest 2 however changes the gameplay mechanics slightly (to add more depth but it doesn't do this and ruins the game) as well as changes the iconic look of the first game, traversing the world is really a chore here as you are now in a 3D top down view and it takes far too long. Battles are still good but the overall feel of the game presentation wise and gameplay wise is what makes this a lesser game than puzzle quest 1, if you see them both and can't decide which to go for, go for the original as it is a much better game.
Weaker than the first in every way except for the art style. The story is barren and barely there. No character matters and i couldn't name you one. Removed all of the extra stuff like your castle and taken control of folks. Side-quest are also terrible with a simple marker and objectives. The combat remains unchanged so that's why it gets a 7.
Seriously play the first one. It has it all story, characters and depth
Summary[Xbox Live Arcade] Featuring a hallmark blend of match-3 gem matching and fantasy, Puzzle Quest 2 offers a captivating, rewarding, and accessible journey for players of all skill levels as they make their way to reclaim the once peaceful village of Verloren from the evil clutch of the demon Gorgon. Get closer to the Puzzle Quest action...