At first you'll be limited to farming, but as you level up and erect buildings you will also be able to mine, and eventually fish. Tap which playing field you want, pay the fee (money or supplies) and you are off. Drag your finger to connect three or more of the same type of item to collect it. Each item goes towards creating a type of supply--you collect birds to get eggs, for example. If you match a long enough chain, a more advanced item will drop on the board. For instance if you collect enough stone in one swipe some coal will show up. You have a limited number of moves, but you can get more from various upgrades. Buildings are crafted by spending the required supplies, and always provide some sort of benefit, such as generating cash or producing tools. Tools are also available for crafting or purchase and are helpful in a couple of ways. Tools do cool things like collect all of one type of item on the board, and they don't count as a turn when used. You can also recruit workers, who are more efficient so it doesn't take as many items to produce supplies. These things can also be done by spending runes, the magical in game currency. You get a few for free every day, can find them while mining, and they are also available for purchase for real money. Once your tiny settlement grows into a bigger town, you will be able to expand further inland to expand your empire.

While Puzzle Craft 2 takes a little time to get going--I felt strapped for cash for quite awhile--I think that speaks to the scope of the game. It's not like you can create a kingdom overnight. There are many species to discover which you can choose between on the playing field and which act in slightly different ways. Grain and corn, for example, each go toward making bread, but corn can be matched along with grass if you want. This is helpful if you are trying to collect herd animals and don't want carrots showing up on the board. It pays to plan ahead and choose the best species to complete your goal. This also adds a little bit of strategy and variety to the gameplay, which can start to feel repetitive, and encourages you make every move count. There are also many quests, challenges and achievements to attain, not to mention a whole continent to explore. What are you waiting for? Your kingdom awaits!

Puzzle Craft 2 (iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad)