The classic puzzle game at breakneck speed

Bejeweled Blitz is a frantic, quickfire version of PopCap’s classic matching puzzle game, which forces you to think fast to rack up huge multipliers before the time runs out. Hugely popular online, it has now arrived with flashy HD graphics for your PC

The central concept of Bejeweled Blitz is that each game lasts only 60 seconds. That’s it! There are no other modes, and no next levels to drive you on. All you have are the high scores and the urge to repeat good rounds. In this fast-paced version, you don’t have to wait after making a move. This changes the strategy quite a lot, and means players really have to tune in to seeing possible Bejeweled Blitz combos and lines really really quickly. Connect a line of more than three jewels, and you’ll be given a power-up, which can give you enormous score multipliers.

While Bejeweled always feels slightly based on chance – how the jewels fall into play – there’s no denying that when you get into the zone and start getting rolling combinations, Bejeweled Blitz just makes you want more. The minute long time limit means, unfortunately, you’ll always think you can squeeze in another game!

The other reason to get addicted to Bejeweled Blitz is the social aspect. It can be played via Facebook Connect, meaning your friends will be able to see your scores and compete if they want. Results are published on the Bejeweled Blitz leaderboard, which is reset every week, allowing another round of competition to begin. It can get very hard to stop playing!

This PC desktop version of Bejeweled Blitz looks and sounds great, and can be played in full screen mode, which is an attractive advantage over the Flash version.