Gems of War - Puzzle RPG

Developer: Infinity Plus 2
Release: Nov 20th 2014
Platforms:
Action
Adventure
Casual
RPG
Strategy
Free To Play
Addictive
Strategic
Cross-platform
Balance issues
Connectivity
Gems of War - Puzzle RPG Poster

Gems of War - Puzzle RPG Review

Gems of War - Puzzle RPG is a match-3 and card-collecting hybrid game praised for its addictive gameplay and extensive content. Players enjoy the strategic depth in team building and the integration of RPG elements with puzzle mechanics. The game supports cross-platform play, allowing progression on PC, iOS, and Android, and features an active developer community with frequent updates and bug fixes. Guild systems enhance the social and cooperative experience, making grinding more manageable. However, the game suffers from balance issues, particularly with AI opponents scaling and card rarity, which can limit creative deck design over time. Monetization exists but is not mandatory, though some players feel it detracts from enjoyment by reducing grind time. Connectivity problems and a controversial UI redesign have been noted as significant drawbacks by some users. Overall, Gems of War offers hundreds of hours of entertainment for fans of match-3 and card games, especially those who appreciate strategic depth and community interaction.

Highlights

Players praise the game's addictive mix of match-3 puzzle and RPG elements, highlighting the strategic team-building mechanics. The cross-platform functionality allows seamless play across devices, enhancing accessibility. The art style and card designs, while not exceptional, are appreciated for their charm. The active developer support and frequent content updates keep the game fresh. The guild system is valued for fostering community and easing progression. The game’s free-to-play model is well-received as it allows full access without mandatory purchases, making it approachable for casual and dedicated players alike.

Criticisms

Common criticisms focus on game balance, especially the rapid AI difficulty scaling and the dominance of rare cards, which stifles creative deck building. The monetization approach frustrates some players who feel buying advantages shortens the enjoyment derived from grinding. The recent UI overhaul has been negatively received, with some players reporting physical discomfort. Connectivity issues and server timeouts disrupt gameplay and cause frustration. Additionally, the asynchronous PvP mode is seen as less engaging since players face AI-controlled opponents rather than real-time human players. Some players also note a grind-heavy progression that can become tedious without spending money.

Pros

  • Addictive gameplay combining match-3 and RPG elements with strategic depth.
  • Cross-platform play allows seamless progress on PC, iOS, and Android devices.
  • Active developer support with frequent updates and rapid bug fixes.
  • Guild system enhances social interaction and eases progression grind.
  • Free-to-play model provides full content access without mandatory purchases.
  • Large variety of cards and customization options for team building.
  • Well-designed rewards system that encourages continued play.

Cons

  • Poor AI balance with difficulty spikes and rapid scaling issues.
  • Rare cards overpower others, limiting creative deck-building options.
  • Monetization can reduce gameplay enjoyment by shortening grind time.
  • Recent UI redesign causes discomfort and is disliked by many players.
  • Frequent server timeouts and connectivity problems disrupt gameplay.
  • PvP is asynchronous and AI-controlled, reducing real player interaction.
  • Progression can be grind-heavy and tedious without in-game purchases.

Rating Criteria

Story
Difficulty
Graphics
Duration
Stability
Worth the Price
Capsule image

Gems of War is a Match-3 RPG from the original creators of Puzzle Quest! Start your RPG journey and fight puzzle battles through hundreds of quests, or build your army of troops and go to war in strategic PVP match-3 combat!

Release Date Nov 20th 2014
Publisher 505 Games
Developer Infinity Plus 2
Platforms

User Reviews

Positive (41)
81% Positive 19% Negative