Jewel Quest Mysteries: Curse of the Emerald Tear

15 April 2010

Avanquest Software Publishing is to release Jewel Quest Mysteries: Curse of the Emerald Tear for the Nintendo DS. Following on from the hugely successful original match-three puzzle game, an additional hidden object element has been added that sees players travel to ancient Egypt in search of lost objects. Using an Archaeologist’s notebook, players select a quest and then undertake tasks from one of two game genres.

In hidden object mode players are presented with a picture screen and must seek out treasures and jewels immersed in rich Egyptian scenery. To make the search more challenging, random clicking is discouraged by a 30 second penalty for selecting an item three or more times without result. All objects must also be found in a certain amount of time and are cleverly hidden within the detailed landscapes.

During the match-three gameplay mode, individual jewels must be moved about a board via adjacent squares so that a sequence of three or more match. The matching gems then vanish and are replaced by new ones, which filter down from the top as the tiles behind the matching gems turn to gold. The ultimate goal is to turn all of the tiles on the entire puzzle gold by matching gems.

Players can collect gold coins and gems, which can be used to purchase upgrades such as longer time limits, hints and tips for finding jewels and the ability to hold more coins. Jewel Quest Mysteries: Curse of the Emerald Tear also includes Mysteryville, a free hidden object adventure game that features addictive mini challenges such as tile-swapping and card matching.

Jewel Quest Mysteries: Curse of the Emerald Tear sees married archaeologists, Rupert and Emma hunt for the Emerald Tear Jewel Board, rumoured to have inexplicable powers. As the story progresses, Rupert falls into a sudden coma and players must guide Emma on a quest for clues to save her husband’s life. Players will explore the lives of historical figures including Alexander the Great and Tutankhamun along the way.

Fast facts:

Publisher: Avanquest Software Publishing

Developer: iWin

Distributor: Centresoft, Gem Distribution, Ideal Software, Interactive Ideas

Release date: 23rd April

PEGI: 3

Format: Nintendo DS

Genre: Puzzle/Casual

SRP: £24.99

Notes to Editor:

Sales information for Jewel Quest Mysteries: Curse of the Emerald Tear

Price: £24.99

Available from all leading DS software retail outlets and Avanquest Software www.avanquest.co.uk/dsgames

Published by: Avanquest Software Publishing

About Avanquest Software

Avanquest Software is one of the world’s leading software developers and publishers, with operations in Europe, North America and China, and marketing its software titles through Retail, Corporate, OEM and Direct-to-Consumer channels. The company is committed to innovation in the design, development and publishing of world-class, easy-to-use and affordable software. Avanquest Software is listed on Euronext (ISIN FR0004026714) since December 1996. Additional information is available at http://www.avanquest.com or http://about.avanquest.com.

For further information and review copies please contact:

James Meredith / Austin Brailey

Media Safari

Tel: +44 (0)1225 471202

jamesm@mediasafari.co.uk / austinb@mediasafari.co.uk