by John Overocker

Created on: April 24, 2008   Last Updated: April 27, 2008

Runes of Avalon 2 is basically the standard color matching games with very little else brought to the table. There is apparently a storyline to the game which I didn't even bother with and has nothing to do with the actual game, save explaining the programmers' need for some of the backgrounds as your character makes his way from one level to another. Also, there's an elf or something that compliments you on your abilities every time you successfully complete another round. I must admit, it did my ego some good, to be urged on along my "Quest" by a hot blond, regardless of how animated she happens to be.

On the game itself, not much needs to be said for those familiar with the genre. In every level you're presented with a new configuration of "Runes" (read, the same square jewel-like object that you see in all of these games) of various sparkly colors.

Using the mouse, the object is to collect enough of the runes to fill up a set of vessels or containers or whatever you want to call them that is to the left of the board. Every color has its very own container and every time that you get three or more runes of the same color together vertically or horizontally they break and fill their vessel with rune juice or whatever you want to call it. In the game, this liquid is called "Mana". New groups of stones, which vary in number, shape and color, appear after the time has started. You can rotate these groups of stones to fit your needs by clicking your mouse. Once all the vessels are filled, you've completed the level.

Below the vessels you'll be able to see your time. There isn't a timer, but instead of time-bar, arranged in a circle that slowly winds down as time runs out. Beneath that is a place for spells that you can use to break more runes. Using a spell takes away from a corresponding color of rune juice. Using the "Fire Spell" uses a significant amount of any red you might have built up, for instance. There are also the generic power-ups that appear in the runes themselves such as "Bomb" or others that clear out a whole row, horizontally and vertically, of runes.

Oddly enough, the most fun I had was playing some of the side-games that occurred between the regular lessons such as a game of match about two levels in. The music was basically white noise. Now, after just having played the game, I can't recall it enough to be able to describe it.

On the whole, Runes of Avalon 2 wasn't bad, but just too unoriginal to really be worth anything. Two out of five stars. (2/5)

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