PopCap Games is launching a new version of its puzzle game Bejeweled and has released a freemium edition of Bejeweled Blitz for the iPhone and iPod touch.
As a result, PopCap Games will retire Bejeweled 2 for the iPhone and iPod touch in favour of the new edition of Bejeweled and the freemium Bejeweled Blitz. Both new titles will roll out from today.
New Bejeweled
The next instalment of PopCap Games’ flagship franchise features new high-resolution graphics and support for the iPhone and iPod touch’s Retina display.
There are three game modes – Classic, Diamond Mine and Zen, which has six ambient soundtracks and mantras.
The game has leaderboards to track personal high scores, as well as user profiles with gameplay statistics.
Players can earn seven achievement badges with four levels each – bronze, silver, gold and platinum – along with three elite badges.
The new Bejeweled is available from the iTunes App Store.
Bejeweled Blitz Freemium
This marks the first time PopCap Games has offered a freemium title, meaning the game itself is free and advanced features can be purchased afterwards. It includes the same 60-second game action from the original but with a few new features.
The game offers a new user interface and a tutorial system to help new players.
There’s also a Daily Spin feature to let players earn bonus coins. As with the new Bejelewed, the freemium Bejeweled Blitz has Retina display support.
The freemium edition of Bejeweled Blitz is available from the iTunes App Store.
