Puzzle Kingdoms

 DS
Metascore
64

Mixed or average reviews - based on 12 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 12
  3. Negative: 1 out of 12
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  1. Worth Playing
    75
    Definitely check it out if you're a fan of Puzzle Quest but felt a bit burned out by Galactrix, as this game is a huge improvement over the previous follow-up.
  2. Cheat Code Central
    72
    This game is very similar to the Puzzle Quest titles, and like them it can become boring if played for too long. For those willing to play in short bursts, though, Puzzle Kingdoms provides hours of fun.
  3. GameSpot
    70
    Puzzle Kingdoms is a worthy addition to the growing list of puzzle/role-playing hybrid games.
  5. GamesRadar+
    70
    Despite its unattractive exterior, Puzzle Kingdoms shines where it counts – fun, addicting puzzles with tons of meaningful customization options, and no BS filler (like, ahem, PQ Galactrix’s tedious leap gate hacking).
  6. GamingTrend
    69
    If you're not a fan of puzzle games, you won't like this one. If you have only a passing interest in puzzle games, you might find Puzzle Kingdoms more frustrating than fun. If you love puzzle games, are suffering from withdrawal and desperately need your fix, Puzzle Kingdoms should provide a good experience despite its obvious flaws.
  7. Games Master UK
    69
    Decidedly average. [Oct 2009, p.80]
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  8. GameShark
    67
    If you don't mind some trial and error, or don't mind working through the game until you figure out what to do, there is fun to be had with Puzzle Kingdoms.
  9. IGN
    63
    I had fun playing Puzzle Kingdoms on the Nintendo DS because the core mechanics are rock solid. The problems come from the sloppy production values, most likely due to the bargain basement development budget.
  10. Metro GameCentral
    60
    The sequel to Puzzle Quest is cheap and far from cheerful, but it's still a mostly effective mix of genres.
  11. Nintendo Gamer
    60
    Kingdoms is still playable, but after the delights of the two Puzzle Quests, this is a real letdown. [Nov 2009, p.72]
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  12. GameZone
    57
    There are some moments when Puzzle Kingdoms is a lot of fun, almost addictively so. But it relies too heavily on a puzzle game that just simply isn't that deep or fun.
  13. My Gamer
    24
    The entire product feels rushed and is definitely of budget title quality.

Awards & Rankings

88
#88 Best DS Game of 2009
84
#84 Most Discussed DS Game of 2009
55
#55 Most Shared DS Game of 2009

User Reviews

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User Score
6.3

Mixed or average reviews- based on 4 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 4
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 4
  3. Negative: 2 out of 4
  1. KrisAsick
    Aug 13, 2009
    4
    This game is poorly made and I find it perplexing that it's getting the kinds of reviews it's getting. It makes me wonder if theThis game is poorly made and I find it perplexing that it's getting the kinds of reviews it's getting. It makes me wonder if the rest of the puzzle gaming genre is suffering since there's only a handful of puzzle games I enjoy. (Galactrix being one of them.) There's visual errors in parts of the interface, a lack of feedback when performing certain actions, no way to quit a battle that'll be too difficult, various bugs related to swapping units and how much money is lost upon defeat, and you can even get into situations where you and the AI just make the same unproductive move back and forth because any other move would give the opponent a really good move following. All that said though, the character graphics and backgrounds are good, and the mini-games are actually more enjoyable than the core gameplay... but it's just not worth it in my opinion. Hunt down Challenge of The Warlords or Galactrix instead... they're FAR better.… Full Review »
  2. Xiru
    May 21, 2009
    8
    With different gameplay mechanics and a couple strategy elements thrown in for good measure, this title is a refreshing addition to the With different gameplay mechanics and a couple strategy elements thrown in for good measure, this title is a refreshing addition to the franchise, especially considering how disappointing Galactrix was/is. If you loved the original Puzzle Quest, give this a try.… Full Review »
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