solitaire gem quest
DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT
overview
Created as part of a suite of accessible games for the UK gaming charity Special Effect, Solitaire: Gem Quest is a fresh, fantasy-themed take on a timeless puzzle classic. The objective is deceptively simple: remove all gems from the board, leaving just one behind. With rich, cinematic music and a distinctive fantasy art style, Solitaire: Gem Quest reimagines a familiar game in a way that feels both epic and inviting—bringing it to a whole new audience of players.
accessible controls
Like all our accessible games, Solitaire: Gem Quest can be played using eyes, a mouse, a gamepad, a switch interface, a keyboard, or any combination of these inputs. Players can select gems directly or use simple directional controls to navigate the board. This flexible control scheme reduces the need for precise motor coordination, making the experience much easier to enjoy with gaze tracking technologies or other assistive devices. Whether you prefer fast, direct selection or step-by-step navigation, the game adapts to suit your preferred way to play.
Hint system
To help players of all experience levels feel confident and engaged, we included a range of settings designed to make the puzzles approachable without losing their challenge. Players can highlight all valid moves to quickly see their options or enable a hint system that offers gentle guidance when needed. These features allow Solitaire: Gem Quest to meet each player exactly where they are, whether they’re learning the rules for the first time or refining their strategy to achieve the elusive perfect clear.
result
We love our fantasy worlds here at Sun & Moon, and Solitaire: Gem Quest still comes up in conversations in the studio today. It’s a slightly over-the-top, epic take on a classic puzzle that has stood the test of time. From the sweeping soundtrack to the atmospheric art, every detail was crafted to make the game feel rich and rewarding to play. We’re proud to have reimagined this fiendish solitaire challenge for an audience of all abilities.
