Say “Hello” to Peggle Blast and Rescue Quest

At EA’s annual “Naughty & Nice” event in NYC last week, I was able to check out a few interesting mobile titles. I’ve already mentioned SimCity BuildIt, but there are two more up-and-comers worth talking about: Peggle Blast and Rescue Quest.

Peggle Blast

Peggle Blast is, you guessed it, more Peggle. Specifically it’s more in-line with Peggle 2 as many of the same folks who worked on the console sequel have had their hands in this new mobile release.

Music that changes up to suit the mood (i.e. when you’re running low on shots, etc) has made the transition from the second game. The “Ode to Joy” segment that comes after you clear the final peg has also been dressed up a bit, and now spits out any balls you may have remaining to create some serious bouncy-madness for some extra points. It’s even possible for this celebration to end up clearing the entire board for you. Some memorable Masters are also returning, along with a few new faces that bring a new powers to the table (board?).

Peggle Blast doesn’t have an official release date yet, but it will be coming to the App Store “very soon” for free.

Rescue Quest

My initial impression of Rescue Quest was of yet another match-3 tile clearing game, similar to that one about the candy. However, while the point is to match like-shapes and clear tiles, the goal isn’t to clear the whole board.

Instead, you’ll need to clear tiles in order to create a path for your character that stretches from the entrance of the level to the exit. You can double-tap to change the route they take (i.e. guide them through a longer stretch with fewer obstacles, take as straight a line as possible, etc) for a little more control as well. And in later levels, you’ll also have enemies to contend with that you can damage by creating matches in the areas they’re standing.

Rescue Quest is also due out sometime this year, and will be free-to-play.