Gems of War introduces a familiar match‑3 formula but wraps it in a light narrative structure that makes the experience more engaging than a typical “Candy Crush‑style” game. The addition of characters, quests, and progression systems gives the gameplay a sense of purpose beyond simply clearing boards.

The core mechanic, combining colored gems to generate mana and trigger abilities, is used creatively, adding a layer of strategy that goes beyond casual puzzle gameplay. It’s simple to understand but satisfying to execute, especially when chaining multiple matches or activating powerful troop skills.

The UI clearly reflects its mobile origins: large buttons, bright icons, and a layout designed for touch screens. While it works fine on PC, it can feel visually busy. This becomes more noticeable when the game introduces its upgrade systems. There are many menus, currencies, and options available from the start, which can feel overwhelming without proper onboarding. The tutorial eventually explains some of these systems, but it would be more effective if the game hid certain options until the player actually learns about them.

Hints appear very quickly during matches, often before the player has time to think through their move. Slowing down or delaying these suggestions would help players engage more deeply with the puzzle layer instead of feeling rushed. Still, the core gameplay loop remains satisfying, with smooth animations and a rewarding sense of progression.

It’s also a nice touch that cutscenes can be skipped, keeping the pace flexible for players who prefer to focus on gameplay. On the other hand, the tutorial feels longer than necessary, especially considering how much information is still left unexplained afterward.

Overall, Gems of War offers a fun and accessible experience with a strategic twist, though its mobile‑first design and cluttered onboarding can make the early game feel more chaotic than it needs to be.

Played on: PC(Steam) — Version: 9.0 — Hours played: 0.7h — Date of review: February 2, 2026