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Words by Scott Dewbre

Bejeweled & Alchemy ($19.99, MacPlay) represents something of a departure for the Mac gaming crew from Dallas, known more for bringing action titles like "Aliens Versus Predator" and role-playing games like "Baldur's Gate" and "Icewind Dale" to the Mac. This is a two-game set of puzzle games that are quite different from typical puzzles and quite different from each other at the same time.

Bejeweled

Bejeweled has been an online gaming hit for some time now, so many Mac users may already be familiar with it. In this game, you play on an 8-by-8 grid filled with gemstones trying to make the gems cascade down from above (Sort of like a waterfall designed by Neiman Marcus). To trigger the cascade, you must match three or more identical gems in vertical and horizontal rows. There are seven different types of gems to match up. Bejeweled features a very usable click-and-drag interface and no controls to speak of. You simply move gems around until they disappear. Better still, there is a hint button for players who cannot figure out their next move. All this means that the learning curve for Bejeweled can be measured in seconds. Because it is so easy to play, Bejeweled is fun for kids and adults, even those who don't normally like puzzles.

Alchemy

Alchemy is a much more challenging game worthy of real puzzle enthusiasts. The idea is to change the color of every square in an 8-by-9 grid using symbols in various colors. The catch is that each symbol you place on the grid must match its neighbor's in shape or color. As if that wasn't hard enough, you only get three discards before the game is over. This game lets you track your progress by giving you titles as you clear levels. Master Alchemy and you could earn the title of Grand Alchemical Emperor. Be forewarned: if that is your goal, plan to invest a lot of time. But, if you like a challenge, Alchemy is for you.

Bonus Material for Palm

Both Bejeweled and Alchemy are good games for passing the time, so they are naturals for use on PDAs. Fortunately, the game CD includes installer files for running Bejeweled, Alchemy and three other games on a color or monochrome Palm-compatible PDA. Unfortunately, registering all five Palm games will cost you an extra $29.95. The monochrome Palm versions of Bejeweled and Alchemy are surprisingly playable, considering how much both games seem to depend upon color. Incidentally, there is a Palm game on the CD called "Mars Needs Cows" that is a blast. It's something of a cross between chess and crop circles.

The Bottom Line

Puzzle games typically do not require a great deal of processor power, and Bejeweled and Alchemy are no exception. The system requirements call for at least a 233MHz G3 and 64MB of RAM, meaning they should run on the older G3 PowerBooks and desktop Macs with G3 upgrade boards. Both OS X and OS 8.6 ­ 9 versions of the games are bundled on the CD, making Bejeweled and Alchemy accessible to those of you still riding the fence on OS X. Bejeweled and Alchemy will provide hours of entertainment for puzzle pros and novices alike. At $19.99, the game package is a good value and definitely worth the money.

Item: Bejeweled & Alchemy Manufacturer: MacPlay Price: $19.99 www.macplay.com/games/
Pros: Engaging way to pass the time, both OS X and OS 9 versions included Cons: Palm apps cost extra