Puzzle Quest: Immortal Edition on PS5 is a thoughtful revival of the beloved match-3 RPG that first made waves nearly two decades ago. This “immortal” version bundles Puzzle Quest: Challenge of Warlords, Revenge of the Plague Lord, and The Legend Returns into one definitive package, enhanced with updated visuals and new content to entice both returning fans and newcomers alike.
At its heart, Puzzle Quest remains a terrific fusion of casual puzzle gameplay and surprisingly deep role-playing mechanics. Players create a hero from a variety of character classes, each with unique skills, spells, and equipment, then embark on a sprawling quest to save the fantasy realm of Etheria. Progression unfolds through match-three battles: lining up gems not only generates mana for casting spells but also deals damage, heals, or triggers special effects depending on your class and build.
This blend of strategy and luck is the game’s biggest strength… and occasionally its weakness. The match-3 battles are endlessly engaging at first, as you learn which gem combinations work best against different enemies and tailor your approach with gear and spells. The RPG elements add meaningful progression and give real weight to victories. However, long stretches of repeated match screens can feel a bit grindy, especially in the mid-to-late game where the challenge spikes and the board often feels like it leans on sheer randomness rather than pure tactics.
The PS5 version benefits from sharper visuals and smoother performance compared to older iterations, and DualSense support adds satisfying haptic feedback during matches and spellcasting. Initially I did feel like I was just playing a mobile game on my TV, but these little enhanced updates do add a bit of a special feeling which I enjoyed. Fans of tactile puzzle experiences will appreciate these modern refinements, though I do wonder if a perfect balance might be on Switch rather than PS5 where a touch screen could be used and you would still have the big-screen benefits of a home console rather than a mobile device.
One of the edition’s nicest touches is how much content you get for a modest price: not only are the three classic campaigns included, but there’s also a brand-new character class and dozens of additional items to discover and experiment with. This means there’s real replay value for enthusiasts who enjoy tweaking builds or trying different playstyles.
Graphically and narratively, Puzzle Quest: Immortal Edition won’t rival AAA RPGs, and its reliance on match-3 mechanics may not appeal to everyone. Yet if you have a soft spot for puzzle games with real depth, or fond memories of the original, this edition on PS5 delivers a hefty package of strategic fun that’s easy to pick up and hard to put down.
Reviewed on PS5
