Game Classification

4 Elements II is a tile-matching game which contains additional mini-games including hidden object, jigsaw and find-the-difference picture puzzles, object rearrangement as well as other puzzle types.

This game is very similar to its predecessor, but has four fairies instead of one. A wizard unwittingly cast a charm which trapped the four fairies inside the Book of Magic. The book is divided into four main chapters for Air, Fire, Earth and Water and each has a corresponding fairy. Each main chapter starts with a hidden object game which must be solved to free that particular fairy. These hidden object games also contain additional puzzles inside them.

The sixteen sub-chapters are based on mythical creatures (i.e. faun, mermaid, unicorn). Each creature has four tile-matching levels that, when solved, will unscramble its description and present a final puzzle for solving.

Players of the first game will recognize the level mechanics. Energy flows like a river through channels and rooms filled with multi-colored tiles. The screen follows the path of the river so it is not possible to go back to earlier sections. When the stream is stopped by solid areas, unblock them by matching at least three identical tiles in a click-hold-drag-release action. There are multi-layered blocks, blocks covered in ice, as well as stones that must be avoided or exploded. Explode large groups by matching five or more tiles, or by directing the flow to bombs and magical arrows.

While traversing the labyrinth-like levels, there will be other things blocking the path. For instance, open a sluice gate by directing energy to green and blue lock mechanisms; rearrange stone blocks or turn pieces of pipe so the energy will flow through them.

Four power-ups become available as the game progresses but must be charged in full first by clearing corresponding colored tiles. The Spade removes the background from a single tile; Magic Fire does the same but for a group of tiles, Swap changes the places of two selected tiles, and Reshuffle rearranges all of the tiles on the current screen.

There is no score as such, but achievements can be gained for special feats, such as long chains of tile matches. These are noted on a separate chart accessed through the main menu.

The default game is timed, but players can opt to change to an untimed, "relaxed" mode at any time. The game features a total of 64 new tile-matching levels, new graphics, visual and sound effects plus an original musical score. [source:mobygames]

Distribution : Retail - Commercial
Platform(s) : PC (Windows)

Links

• http://www.mobygames.com/game/4-elements-ii/