Puzzle Quest: The Legend Returns on Nintendo Switch – Classic Match 3 RPG Gets a Stellar Update

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Published on: September 19, 2019

Description

Puzzle Quest: The Legend Returns on Nintendo Switch – Classic Match 3 RPG Gets a Stellar Update When Puzzle Quest: The Legend Returns arrived on the Nintendo Switch, it marked a triumphant comeback for one of the most innovative match 3 games in modern gaming.

Developed by Infinite Interactive, Puzzle Quest originally made waves when it debuted in 2007 on platforms like the Nintendo DS and PSP, blending addictive puzzle mechanics with role-playing elements in a way that became a template for the genre.

Now, with this enhanced Switch release, fans are enjoying not only the nostalgia but also an expanded, modernized experience. Staying true to its roots, Puzzle Quest: The Legend Returns features the signature match 3 gameplay while integrating RPG mechanics that influence how players approach every strategic move.

Character class selection is crucial, impacting both how players attack and defend during battles.

This Nintendo Switch version adds five new character classes, providing even greater depth and replayability.

The game conveniently highlights the relative difficulty of each class at selection, helping both new and returning players make informed decisions. Combat in Puzzle Quest takes place on a familiar gem grid.

Matching three or more skulls vertically or horizontally deals damage, but there’s more to the strategy.

Each class brings its own mana abilities, unlocked by matching colored gems.

Players must weigh the benefits of dealing immediate damage with skulls versus powering up unique abilities by collecting the right colors, or even blocking their opponents from gathering resources.

Additionally, gold coins on the grid can be matched to purchase valuable equipment, and purple stars contribute to character leveling. Players must factor in that, like other games in the genre, luck plays a significant role—random cascades and unexpected gem drops can turn a match quickly.

While this randomness can be frustrating, the game mitigates it by allowing multiple concurrent side quests and offering difficulty options.

This system helps players level up at a manageable pace, ensuring they’re ready to tackle more challenging story missions.

Puzzle Quest: The Legend Returns also offers helpful features, such as a match finder, although some players may find it steers them into suboptimal moves and choose to disable it for a purer strategic experience. The remastered version for Nintendo Switch packs substantial content, including the full original Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlords, its Revenge of the Plague Lord expansion, and nearly 250 quests—including new ones exclusive to this edition.

The fresh HD graphics look impressive on both TV and handheld modes, although players may notice that some text can be small on the Switch’s portable screen.

Gameplay is accessible regardless of play style; players can use touch controls in handheld mode or direct the cursor with the control stick while docked. Beyond single-player adventures, Puzzle Quest: The Legend Returns supports online multiplayer, though local couch co-op is currently not available.

Many fans hope Infinite Interactive might add local multiplayer support in a future update. In summary, Puzzle Quest: The Legend Returns on Nintendo Switch offers an engrossing blend of strategy and luck across a generous content package, all while retaining the addictiveness that made the original a legend.

Whether you’re discovering Puzzle Quest for the first time or eager to revisit its unique puzzle RPG mechanics, this Switch remaster stands as one of the eShop’s most worthwhile puzzle game experiences.

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Review: Puzzle Quest: The Legend Returns (Nintendo Switch)