《戰神的挑戰：傳奇回歸/Puzzle Quest:不朽版》（Puzzle Quest: The Legend Returns）是極具特色的作品，將傳統奇幻RPG的冒險劇情與經典的「三消」益智玩法完美融合，既保留角色養成與劇情選擇的深度，又以直觀且上癮度極高的拼圖對戰形式吸引玩家。最早在2000年代中期推出時就被視為「將RPG與益智遊戲結合的範例」，而如今在Switch及Steam平台的復刻版，則擴充內容並以更高清的畫面呈現。

在劇情方面，背景設定於劍與魔法的奇幻大陸艾希利亞。主角是一名冒險者，隨著故事推進會遇到不同的角色、村莊與城鎮，透過情報收集、購買裝備以及深入迷宮來展開冒險。有超過240個任務關卡，並包含豐富的支線劇情。玩家的選擇會影響故事的走向，使其並非線性冒險，而是帶有分支與個人化色彩的旅程。此外，不僅能招募同伴與騎寵，還能俘虜怪物、學習怪物技能，甚至建造屬於自己的城堡，增添更多策略與養成樂趣。

操作核心是三消戰鬥系統。與敵人共用一個棋盤，輪流進行操作。當將三顆或以上相同的寶石連線時，就能獲得相應的效果。例如，消除骷髏能進行普通攻擊，消除不同顏色的寶石能累積對應屬性的魔法值，並用於施放各種強力技能。四連消或更多連線則能獲得額外回合，這讓比賽具有高度策略性，因為必須同時考慮自己的最佳選擇與如何阻止敵人獲得連消機會。這種融合益智解謎與戰術思維的方式，讓每場戰鬥都既燒腦又充滿變數。

角色系統方面，提供原作的八大職業與新增的五大新職業，包括血魔法師、牧師、武僧、聖騎士與元素使。每個職業都有獨特的技能組與魔法屬性傾向。例如，法師能操控火球與火牆等高爆發魔法；戰士則依靠直接的物理打擊壓制對手；德魯依利用自然之力擅長控制與變化棋盤；而聖騎士則能結合防禦與治療，展現續航能力。隨著等級提升，可以獲得技能點，將其分配到不同的能力樹，如火系、水系、土系、氣系魔法，以及戰鬥、靈巧、士氣等，這些加成不僅影響戰鬥數值，還可能觸發額外回合或獲得更多資源，使角色培養路線多元且自由。

市場評價方面，Puzzle Quest系列一直被視為開創性作品，它證明益智遊戲可以與RPG結合而不顯得割裂。當年初代推出時曾受到玩家與媒體一致好評，認為其「上癮度極高，策略性不輸傳統戰棋RPG」。這次復刻版不僅收錄原有劇情與兩款資料片內容，還提供全新職業與1080p高清畫面，進一步滿足懷舊玩家與新玩家的需求。在Switch這樣的攜帶型平台上，Puzzle Quest的「隨開隨玩」特性更具優勢，無論是短暫休閒還是長時間沉浸，都能提供高度的投入感。玩家社群普遍認為，它既是益智遊戲的極致體驗，也是RPG愛好者不可錯過的經典之作。

整體來說，《戰神的挑戰：傳奇回歸》之所以受矚目，不僅因為它是成功復刻的作品，更因為它跨越遊戲類型的邊界，將解謎的簡單操作與角色養成的深度結合在一起，打造出獨一無二的遊戲體驗。對於老玩家而言，它是熟悉的經典再現；對新玩家而言，則是結合策略、養成與娛樂的全新冒險。

Puzzle Quest: The Legend Returns (also known as Puzzle Quest: The Immortal Edition) is a uniquely distinctive title that seamlessly blends the adventurous narrative of a traditional fantasy RPG with the intuitive, addictive mechanics of match-three puzzle gameplay. It retains the depth of character progression and story-driven choices while presenting battles in a puzzle format that is both strategic and highly engaging. When the original first launched in the mid-2000s, it was hailed as a groundbreaking example of merging RPG and puzzle elements. Now, with its remastered release on Switch and Steam, the game not only expands its content but also offers upgraded HD visuals.

The story is set in the fantasy continent of Etheria, a land of swords and sorcery. Players step into the role of an adventurer who embarks on a journey across villages, towns, and dungeons, gathering information, purchasing gear, and taking on quests. With over 240 story missions and numerous side quests, the narrative is far from linear—player choices influence outcomes, creating a personalized and branching adventure. Beyond standard questing, players can recruit companions and mounts, capture monsters to learn their skills, and even build and upgrade their own castle, adding layers of strategy and progression.

The core of the gameplay lies in its match-three combat system. Players and enemies share a single puzzle board, taking turns to make moves. Matching three or more gems triggers effects: skulls inflict direct damage, while colored gems generate mana used to cast powerful spells. Longer chains, such as four-of-a-kind, grant bonus turns, introducing a deep layer of tactics. Success depends not only on maximizing one’s own combos but also on preventing the opponent from setting up devastating moves. This fusion of puzzle-solving and tactical planning makes every battle intellectually demanding yet unpredictable.

The character system offers the eight original classes along with five new ones: Blood Mage, Cleric, Monk, Paladin, and Elementalist. Each class has unique skills and affinities. For example, Mages wield destructive spells like Fireball and Fire Wall; Warriors excel in brute-force attacks; Druids manipulate nature and alter the puzzle board; and Paladins balance defense and healing to endure longer fights. As characters level up, they earn skill points that can be allocated across trees such as Fire, Water, Earth, and Air magic, as well as Combat, Cunning, and Morale. These upgrades not only affect stats but can also trigger extra turns or resource bonuses, allowing for highly customizable progression paths.

From a market perspective, the Puzzle Quest series has always been considered groundbreaking, proving that puzzle gameplay can coexist with RPG depth without feeling disjointed. The original title was widely acclaimed for its addictive mechanics and strategic complexity, rivaling traditional tactical RPGs. This remastered edition not only includes the full base storyline and two expansion packs but also introduces new classes and crisp 1080p visuals, catering to both nostalgic veterans and new players. On a portable platform like the Switch, the game’s “pick up and play” design shines, making it ideal for both quick sessions and long playthroughs. Community response has been overwhelmingly positive, with many praising it as both the pinnacle of puzzle-RPG hybrids and a must-play for strategy fans.

In sum, Puzzle Quest: The Legend Returns stands out not just as a successful remaster but as a title that transcends genre boundaries. By combining the simplicity of puzzle mechanics with the depth of character building, it delivers a one-of-a-kind experience. For returning fans, it’s a beloved classic reborn; for newcomers, it’s a fresh adventure that blends strategy, progression, and entertainment into a single, compelling package.