Gemstone Realm

No English translation, couldn't proceed without reading from time of post.

Gemstone Realm is a strange mixture of adventure, match three style combat and character progression, and I found the combination more interesting than I expected. I explore mysterious areas, open portals into dangerous realms and collect gems that can be matched together to affect battles. I liked the basic idea because it gives the familiar match three structure a more active RPG purpose. The gem system is the main mechanic. Matching groups of gems can produce different effects that help me deal damage or recover from injuries, so I have to think about what I need rather than simply clearing whatever combination is easiest. I enjoyed that because the puzzle board becomes part of the combat instead of feeling like a completely separate mini game. Exploration also plays an important role. Opening portals leads me into secret areas filled with monsters and resources, and defeating those enemies gives me more gems that can be used to strengthen my character. I liked the sense of gradually building up my hero because it gives the simple matching system a reason to keep going. The presentation is fairly colourful and fits the fantasy adventure theme. The game also has some unusual i…