This article is about the 2008 game. For the game mode found in Bejeweled Twist, see Blitz. For the version of Bejeweled Blitz released exclusively for Xbox 360, see Bejeweled Blitz LIVE.
Bejeweled Blitz is a tile match-3 game developed by PopCap Games, and is distributed by PopCap and Electronic Arts. It is the second spin-off game and fourth game in the Bejeweled series. It was originally launched as a Facebook web game in 2008, but expanded to a shortly-lived PC version in 2010, and then on iOS and Android in 2011. Bejeweled Blitz involves scoring as many points as possible within one minute.
Bejeweled Blitz originally launched on Facebook originally based off the Bejeweled 2 style. In 2009, the game received a massive makeover, featuring a completely all new hand-drawn fantasy land theme, new visuals, and several new mechanics such as being able to match while other gems are falling, the Star Gem, the Annihilator, and more.
Bejeweled Blitz has received critical acclaim throughout several years. IGN voted the game as "Best Facebook Game of 2009". The game has continued to receive updates after launch, with several new elements being added overtime. In 2018, the game went under a major redesign, to which the UI, visuals, music and mechanics were updated.
History[]
Bejeweled Blitz first debuted in 2008 on Facebook, as Bejeweled Blitz Beta. The graphics and mechanics based on Bejeweled 2, with its Power Gem and Hypercube designs, and the lack of Star Gems. The game was critically acclaimed, as it was voted "Best Facebook Game of 2009" by IGN and later on added as an add-on for the iPhone version of Bejeweled 2.
On April 5, 2010, a new version of Bejeweled Blitz appeared for the PC, based on the then-in-development Bejeweled 3 engine. Also, gems can be swapped while others were still settling for the first time, with the mechanic also re-appearing in Bejeweled 3.
There were three versions with: 1.0.6.4034 (Initial release), 1.0.6.7260 (Most popular release), and 1.0.9.7400 (Final version with Boosts). Unlike the now-upgraded Facebook version, none of the releases had Keystones, Rare Gems, Daily Spin, nor the two other game modes. These features were alleged to be supposed to be included sometime in 2011 with an update along with some PC exclusive features. However, PopCap discontinued the PC version, announcing a focus on updating the Facebook version as well as the newly released ports for iOS and Android devices.
A beta version of a redesigned Bejeweled Blitz, labelled The Bigger, Better Boosts update was issued to Google Play users, which featured redesigned UI, free and upgradable boosts, the addition of Shards, Diamonds and Gold Bars, new music and sound effects.
The Bigger, Better Boosts update was released on February 9, 2018, for iOS and Android devices as a free update.
In 2018, Blitz Champions was added to the game.
In December 2018, the Daily Spin was redesigned to function similar as it did in Tetris Blitz, another EA game.
The Facebook version of Bejeweled Blitz switched from the Adobe Flash Player platform to HTML5 at the end of 2020, as Adobe Flash Player was discontinued by Adobe and blocked from running on all computers on January 12, 2021.
Gameplay[]
Bejeweled Blitz has revolved around the concept of scoring as much points as possible in one minute.
Bejeweled Blitz (Beta)[]
Early versions of Bejeweled Blitz uses the Bejeweled 2 engine with its graphics and visualizers.
Speed Bonus[]
It introduces the Speed Bonus, which is initiated when you make three matches in a three-second period that adds an extra 200 points. Every following match made within three seconds adds a hundred extra points to the previous bonus, and caps out at 1000 bonus points. Once at the +1000 stage, the Ignition Meter engages, requiring the player to make sixteen matches with no more than a one-second gap in between matches to fill up the Meter and achieve Blazing Speed, a ten-second bonus where every matched gem explodes like a Flame Gem, scoring extra points.
Multiplier[]
Multiplier Gems are also introduced, with a x2 multiplier dropping onto the board once 12 gems are detonated in one move. It drops onto a board with its own color, and once matched, doubles the base point count from that match onward. Further Multiplier Gems require 16 or more gems to be detonated at once to be dropped, with its likelihood of dropping decreasing with every multiplier level.
Bejeweled Blitz (2009)[]
The 2009 update to Blitz received a redesigned interface that will later be reprised in the PC release of Blitz and Bejeweled 3, reusing gem textures from Bejeweled Twist, and introduces the Star Gem, a variation of the Lightning Gem from Bejeweled Twist. The max multiplier level has also been capped at x8. Notably, this redesign introduces the Last Hurrah, where every Flame, Star, Hypercube, and Multiplier Gem will be detonated after the timer reaches zero. Hypercubes will default to zapping the gem in its effective swappable radius of four gems with the least amount of its kind of the board, and Multiplier Gems provide no increases in the factor and merely detonated by its power times a thousand points.
A minor update to Blitz introduces Coin Gems and Boosts. Boosts provide extra help to the player during gameplay, and can be purchased using coins collected from the Coin Gems or the debuting Daily Spin. Each purchased Boost is usable for three consecutive games. For a list of Boosts, go here.
Bejeweled Blitz LIVE[]
For a more in-depth look, see article Bejeweled Blitz LIVE.
An Xbox Live Arcade exclusive, Blitz Live introduces a variety of Xbox Live-tailored Party modes that allows up to sixteen players in a match at once. This is the first Blitz variant that allows simultaneous multiplayer. Boosts do not appear in this game.
Twist mode[]
Exclusive to Blitz Live, a Twist mode is available. Forgoing the traditional swapping mechanic for a Gem Rotator akin to the one in Bejeweled Twist, sixty seconds are permitted to score as much points as possible. The Gem Rotator rotates both ways, marking the only occurrence of this in any Bejeweled title to date. Consecutive matches, called Chains, adds small bonus points to every match. A intersecting match in Twist creates a Lightning Gem, and the Supernova Gem makes its own appearance in a Blitz title, formed through a 6-gem match, and is only available in Twist mode. A 5-gem match creates a Lightning Gem similar to Twist.
Bejeweled Blitz (2018)[]
Featuring yet another redesign, this version of Blitz was first unveiled on January 18 to select Android Bejeweled Blitz players. Sounds, graphics, and menus have all received a facelift, along with the removal of the x8 multiplier cap.
The multiplier cap was reinstated in the February 8 final release, along with the feature that renders all Boosts free.
List of Free Boosts[]
Initial Boosts[]
Scrambler[]
At an earlier version, it scrambles the board. Occupying the bottom-right square during gameplay, usable twice per game. In the newer, the player can upgrade this to make more uses per game. And, give the player additional +200 (2 moves) to the Blazing Speed meter.
Detonator[]
Detonates every Special Gem on the board when activated and usable once for earlier edition. For now this boost can be used twice per game. Plus, the player will given an upgradable multiplier bonus. (Note: During this boost is being triggered, all other boosts will be paused until any special gems on board that affected are completely detonated, however the timer still runs.)
Multiplier[]
Drops a free Multiplier Gem onto the board at the start of the minute in earlier version. Now this boost can give a multiplier gems on the board multiple times instead of just from start. This boost will trigger after cooldown, the pause time between two automatic activation. If the player use this boost, the ×8 multiplier cap will be removed.
Extra Time[]
Adds five extra seconds to the timer after the original minute runs out. This boost also gives an upgradable score bonus. However, this score bonus aren't affected by the multiplier count.
Mystery[]
Drops a random Flame Gem, Star Gem, or Hypercube onto the board every match made in an upgradable chance instead of from start.
Special Boosts[]
Color Blast[]
This boost can transform any random 20 gems in the board to the gems of the color of previous match. Color Blast only activates if the player makes a certain number of matches, but can be upgraded. The boost is unlocked by upgrading 3 boosts to Level 5, or by using 12,500 Gold Bars.
Rarifier[]
Transforms all color-like gem to equipped rare gems. Can only be used with specific rare gems, and has a cooldown once used, but can be upgraded. Using this boost with a rare gem that does not produce special Flame Gem effects will render the boost useless. Unlocked by playing 100 games of Blitz Champions (mobile) or by upgrading 5 boosts to level 5 (Facebook) or by paying 15,000 Gold Bars.
Hocus Focus[]
Targets any random 2×2 area on the board. If any gems in the target cleared, a multiplier that determined in target area will be applied to the current multiplier count. Triggers automatically after upgradable cooldown. However, the target appears only once at a time on the board, so the player must clear it to trigger more targets. This boost can be unlocked by staying at least 10th position in any 25 Blitz Champions contests or by paying 20,000 Gold Bars. (Note: It has a sequence: ×5, ×8, ×11, etc., so the multiplier target only rises if the multiplier count follows the sequence. It won't remove the ×8 multiplier gem cap.)
Quickfire[]
This boost can trigger instant Blazing Speed with an upgradeable score bonus that lasts for 8 seconds, then the boost will cooldown for 15 seconds upon its triggers. To unlock, unlike other special boosts that have challenge-based unlock requirement, the player need to pay 17,500 Gold Bars. The boost's score bonus remain unaffected by the multiplier count however, like Extra Time.
Matchmaker[]
Scrambles all the gems of the board into a pattern and give a score bonus of 100,000 points to every rare gems and special gems on the board (Matchmaker-created special gems do not count, but still give score bonus for next trigger). Once used, a cooldown is triggered, but can be upgraded to reduce the cooldown time.Unlocked by completing 35 objectives in Blitz Quest in mobile version or 35 missions in Gem Explorers Events in Facebook version.
Surge[]
Adds an upgradable multiplier bonus. The player can trigger it by blasting Special and Rare Gems. Unlocked by collecting 20 Reward Chests from Blitz Quest in mobile version or scoring 100,000,000 points or more in a single game 25 times in Facebook version. However, like Hocus Focus, multiplier gem cap of ×8 still applies.
Super Spawn[]
This boost can spawn 6 Rare Gems with a score bonus. The player can trigger it by making 5 matches. Unlocked by placing in the Top 10 of 30 Blitz Champion contests, or can be purchased for 16,000 Shards.
Resources[]
There are 5 different resources in Bejeweled Blitz:
Coins []
- Usable for harvesting Rare Gems (except on PC version), equipping Boosts (earlier Facebook, Mobile, and PC version only), retrying Daily Challenge, purchasing 10 seconds Encore extra time, Joining/retrying fee of special Blitz Champions contests.
- Earned by gameplay, Rare Gems end-of-game bonus payouts, Daily Spin, Daily Challenge, Chests, Bonus Events, paying Gold Bars (currently not available), paying real money, keystones (Facebook version only), watching an advertisement video (Mobile version only), Blitz Champions contest rewards, Blitz Quest chests (Mobile version only).
Shards []
- Usable for purchasing and upgrading Boosts, 15 seconds Super Encore extra time.
- Earned by Rare Gems end-of-game bonus payouts, chests, Events featuring Shards, Blitz Champions contest rewards, Daily Spin, Blitz Quest chests.
Diamonds []
- Usable for Boosts' special upgrades.
- Earned by Boosts' normal upgrading, chests, Blitz Champions contest rewards, Daily Spin, Blitz Quest chests.
Gold Bars []
- Usable for purchasing Extra Spins, chests, extra coins, hurry paying for Special Boost.
- Earned by Free Chests, Boosts' special upgrading, paying real money, Events featuring Gold Bars, Blitz Champions contest rewards, Community events, Daily Spin, Blitz Quest chests.
Tokens []
- Usable for Party Mode entry fees.
- Earned by keystones, paying real money.
- This resource is only applicable in the Facebook version.
Music[]
The music for the original Bejeweled Blitz was composed by Peter Hajba (aka Skaven). The main theme debuted on the PC Download version of the game, and both the title screen music and main game music were repurposed for the main theme of Bejeweled 3 and the Lightning Mode theme. The music was also used on the mobile versions of the game until the Bigger, Better Boosts update.
The Bigger, Better Boosts Update in 2018 replaced the original music on the mobile versions with new music composed by Rob Warren and Guy Whitmore. The melodies of the original songs are new, but reuse some portions of the melodies from the original themes.
Version History[]
For the history of updates, see Bejeweled Blitz/Version History.
Beta elements[]
For the beta elements and unused content, see List of Bejeweled Blitz pre-release and unused content.
Description of the game[]
Enjoy one minute of explosive match-3 fun from PopCap Games! Detonate as many gems as you can, 60 action-packed seconds at a time, in the hit puzzle game played by over 125 million people worldwide. Match three or more and create cascades of awesome with Flame gems, Star gems, and Hypercubes. Use powerful Rare Gems and upgradable Boosts to compete against friends, or challenge other players and top the leaderboards in Blitz Champions.
TOP THE LEADERBOARDS IN BLITZ CHAMPIONS
Challenge other players across the globe when you compete in Blitz Champions Contests. Get matched with players at your level and battle it out for the top score. Accomplish a variety of tasks and show off your skills – each Contest features a new way to play. Change up your strategy and play like a champion to win powerful rewards and top the leaderboards!
JOIN THE TREASURE HUNT IN BLITZ QUEST
Begin an adventurous expedition with Gemma, our Bejewelian friend, to uncover hidden treasures and get awesome rewards along the way. Play your favorite game modes every day to make progress with unique tasks. Open treasure chests as you complete a set of tasks and get Coins, Gold Bars, Shards, Diamonds, and Rare Gems. The more tasks you complete, the bigger the rewards you get.
DISCOVER EXPLOSIVE EXCITEMENT
Collect special Boosts like Scrambler to scramble the board, or Detonator to blast all special gems, and add extra power and fun to each match. Then upgrade them up to 10 times for scores that reach the stratosphere! Use Boosts any time and without spending Coins. Boosts never expire, so you can focus on upgrading the ones that work for you.
PERFECT YOUR STRATEGY WITH RARE GEMS
Amazing and unique Rare Gems like Sunstone and Plume Blast provide big scores and even more excitement. Combine them with Boosts to achieve unbelievably high scores. Play your way when you create mighty combinations of glittering Rare Gems and three Boosts to develop your own personal approach.
SPARKLING NEW CONTENT
Feast your eyes on fresh visuals and enjoy remixed audio that has been overhauled to improve your experience. Play live events with players around the world and complete special tasks each week to earn amazing rewards. Plus, get in the game faster than ever with a rebuilt user experience and simplified navigation.
Gallery[]
Trivia[]
- The boosts are more expensive in the online version. One popular combination costs 16,000 coins in the online version, but only 9,000 in the offline version.
- Scoring discrepancies exist as well. In the Facebook version, the base value for a Flame Gem is worth 1,050 points or multiples thereof. In the PC version (and Bejeweled 3 as well), the same detonation is worth 1,250 points or multiples thereof.
- This game may have likely been inspired by the Blitz mode in Bejeweled Twist.
- Furthermore, Speed Bonuses were a feature in Bejeweled Twist as well, but they work differently in this game.
- Gems can be swapped while others were still settling. However, this does not occur while a Hypercube or Star Gem is being triggered.
- Bejeweled Blitz ran on the Adobe Flash Player platform from it's initial release to 2020. In 2021, the game was translated and switched to HTML5 in preparation of the end-of-life of Adobe Flash Player, which was discontinued in December 31, 2020 and ceased functioning January 12, 2021.
- Bejeweled Blitz uses cats as a recurring theme.
- In Daily Challenge mode, you can earn Star Cats for each score level you achieve.
- In the stats screen (Facebook only) there is a button with a cat face on it. Clicking the button plays a "meow" sound. The stats page also tracks how many meows you've meowed from clicking that button and this Rare Gem only.
- Clicking the "share score" button on the end game screen (Facebook only) will occasionally pop a tooltip that looks like a cat.
Music[]
Title screen music for the mobile version
External links[]
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