'Bejeweled 3' Now Available for PC, Mac

By Hector Cortez Dec 9, 2010, 4:02 GMT

This new entry in the series includes twice the game modes of its predecessor.

PopCap Games today announced the launch of Bejeweled 3, the first true sequel to the franchise in more than six years.

This new entry in the popular match-three series, which includes twice the game modes of its predecessor as well as eight mini-games and a complete revision of sound and graphics, is available today on PopCap.com, MSN Games, Pogo.com, Steam, GameHouse and WildTangent, as well as at retail outlets throughout North America.

Boasting high-definition graphics (1920 x 1200 in "ultra" mode) and a new soundtrack, Bejeweled 3's eight different modes include four all-new "secret" modes: Butterflies, Diamond Mine, Ice Storm and Poker (detailed below). Adding to Bejeweled's already addictive gameplay are 65 achievement badges and high score lists.

The four all-new modes are:

Butterflies: Match the butterfly gems to free them before they ascend the board. If they flutter all the way to the top, the spider wins.

Poker: Make matches to create poker hands, with better hands scoring more points. Avoid "outlawed" hands as the game progresses, or only a lucky flip of the coin can save you.

Diamond Mine: Delve deep beneath the earth by exploding gems to tunnel downward. Unearth gold, artifacts and Hypercubes to score big.

Ice Storm: Hold back the rising ice floe in this speed-based variation. Match gems quickly to keep columns of frost at bay.