The Ultimate Combination

Jewel Quest was such a resounding success that the developers felt the public needed a strong follow-up. They toiled and toiled, and now, we are being offered the fruit of their labor.

Jewel Quest Solitaire is not exactly a sequel to the original; it is perhaps better thought of as an expansion in the series. The ancient relics that you have come to know and love are back, but they've brought some unique cards and added gameplay with them. Will you venture into the ancient ruins once more and seek out the ultimate treasure?

Seek and Ye Shall Receive

Your task is two-fold:

First, you are presented with a field of playing cards not unlike that found in Tower Solitaire. Atop the foundation pile is a single card on which you must place cards from the layout. The value of the card placed must be one higher or one lower than one currently showing, and it is in your best interest to string together as long a sequence as you can. The goal is the clear the field, while keeping as many unused cards in your reserve as possible. As you continue on your journey, you will encounter wild cards, as well as those that offer point multipliers.

Second, you are offered a grid of gems that resembles the original Jewel Quest. Your task here is to line up sets of three or more of the same relic, effectively turning the spaces on which they sit into gold. Ultimately, you would like to fill the entire board with gold spaces.

Tools of the Trade

As you clear cards from the first part of each stage, jewels -- corresponding to the suit of the card used -- will appear in a small window representing the second part. The longer the sequence you create, the more "swaps" you earn. Unused cards from the reserve pile will pre-emptively turn some spaces gold.

When you get to the second half of each stage, you will notice that you have a certain number of "swaps" earned. You can use these to switch adjacent gems (you do not need to make a match with each swap) in your goal of turning all the spaces gold. Plan your moves carefully.

Choose Your Destiny

There are two game modes. The main mode -- "Full Quest" -- sets you on an adventure following the journal of your late uncle. For a more relaxed experience, you may want to look into the "Just Cards" option, which, as its name implies, removes the traditional Jewel Quest portion from the game.

The Never-ending Story

There are 114 layouts, 684 possible card playing scenarios, 3 difficulty settings, and 12 special card suits. With this much variety -- there are at least seven levels of play in "Full Quest", each of which offering several stages -- there is much to enjoy, keeping you occupied and entertained for hours. Hurl yourself headlong into this adventure and never look back. You won't regret it.