Jewel Master: Cradle of Rome
Ages: Everyone

I wonder if anyone plays the simple Bejeweled anymore - the match-three game that spawned hundreds more. When it became more than just dropping as many similar items as you can and strategy moved in - a second level of play began to be introduced - battles were fought and won depending on the board strategy. In the case of Cradle of Rome materials and buildings are won that allow you to build Rome.

The gem drop now contains items like food, gold and building supplies. No diagonal moves are permitted - which makes it hard to get used to. The game is timed and various tiles must be removed by matching the "gem" on the tile. This takes some strategy and you lose a life if you don't accomplish it within the time limit. Miss three times - you lose the level, win big and you can get an building to start creating Rome. I have no idea how much playing it takes to get the coliseum - but then, "Rome wasn't built in a day".

Wii remote accuracy is good, music medieval but repetitive. I always turn music down or off because I find that it interferes with my concentration - except in mysteries where spooky mood music lets me know when something is going to be behind that door.

Fun Factor: With 100 levels it's like a picture puzzle with 10,000 pieces
Player Friendly: Would be nice if a player could choose an un-timed version.

Reviewed by: Editor - 04/09