An Abundance of Treasures

Somewhere between the puzzle and arcade genres is this incredible gem of a game. Embark on a treasure-seeking journey and investigate the ancient temples, ruins, and artifacts as you seek out all the bountiful jewels that await you within.

As you progress on your search for the storied lost temple of Nahca Rotha, you will unlock 24 pieces to a mysterious amulet. What power could this relic yield?

Best yet, you are treated to diary entries that describe this incredible story, taking you though thick jungles, examining mysterious sites.

A Three Step Process

Gameplay is composed of three parts:

1. Move the cart at the bottom of the screen by simply moving your mouse. Use the light beam to align yourself underneath a chosen brick and left-click to pull that brick into the cart.

2. Use the left mouse button to shoot that brick into any other column in the wall above. When you form a set of four or more, the bricks explode, sending down a bevy of treasures toward the cart.

3. Collect the falling jewels with your cart by moving your mouse. The more gems you catch, the higher your score, and the faster you move on to the next level. Fill the vertical progress meter on the right to complete a stage.

Tools of the Trade

Along the way, you will be presented with additional tools that can help you accomplish your treasure-seeking goals. For example, lightning bricks will send out bolts of energy that will blast apart several of the stone blocks, raining the enclosed jewels onto the floor below. Fireball bricks, when deployed, create a massive explosion, destroying the numerous bricks in its immediate vicinity.

To receive extra jewels at the end of a stage (and to complete the level faster), you should attempt to form the "shapes" depicted in the lower right hand corner. The actual color you use to form these shapes is irrelevant. For each shape you form, you will receive the gift of an extra wave of bonus gems.

Also bear in mind that each "grab and shoot" need not result in a set of matching gems. Strategic placing of bricks can result in greater rewards.

Hurdles in your Path

There are two main time-related obstacles in your way. First, some bricks are covered in moss and cannot be moved on their own. Over time, the moss will spread to neighboring bricks, and as a result, they will not be able to move either. In order to eliminate the spreading green, you must destroy the bricks that surround them.

Secondly, after a certain amount of time has passed (this interval shrinks in later stages), an additional layer of bricks is laid at the top of the screen, pushing all of the other blocks downward. Should any stone reach the bottom of the screen and/or touch your cart, the game ends.

In this way, time is of the absolute essence.

A Smashing Good Time

For a (literally) smashing good time, you should definitely check out Abundante. With stunningly beautiful hand-drawn backgrounds, engaging music, and incredible arcade action combined with strategic puzzle elements, this is a fantastic package that will surely be fun for the whole family.