The original Warlords computer game was a pivotal game in my misspent youth, getting me addicted to wargaming (and fantasy wargaming in particular).  Er, I'm referring to the 1990 DOS game, not the also-excellent 1981 Atari 2600 game.  While the series has waned a bit over time (though I never really gave Warlords 4 it's due) and spawned a decent RTS side series, it is now coming to what I think is the least expected format possible -- a Bejeweled-style puzzler.  Yep, "Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlords".

There's a PC demo at that link, though as far as I can tell no actual PC version to buy, instead it is out for the DS and PSP.  Well, out in a hypothetical sense -- all the release calendars, etc list today as the release date but I can't find it anywhere.  In fact, for the past several months the computers at Gamestop wouldn't even let me place a preorder on it.  Amazon was willing to take a preorder on it, only now that it comes the day of shipping, their website mysteriously updates to show a 4-6 week delay.  Grrr, that's definitely not playing fair.

I find it weird that I'm so excited about a handheld puzzler, but try the demo out and you'll see the appeal.  The core "match 3" mechanic is fairly simple, but the many layers of RPG progress that they put on top of it gives it far longer legs that I would have expected.  I'm quite excited to play it... if only I could find a copy.