Who would've thought blending RPG elements into a puzzle game would become so successful? Puzzle Quest's incredible fan following has earned its spiritual successor, Galactrix, a great deal of attention. In an interview with IGN, Lead Designer Steve Fawkner reveals that the team is trying their best to make this game feel unique: "the last thing we want to hear from gamers is "oh that's just a Puzzle Quest clone" (which we admit to doing).

When questioned on its gameplay mechanics, Fawkner stated the game was not based on Bejeweled, but another popular puzzle game: "I would say that it would better be described as Collapse in space." A crucial difference between the two titles is that Galactrix features real-time puzzle battling.

As revealed in the interview, there are plans to introduce downloadable content and 6 player multiplayer. It will be interesting to see how this game develops over time.

If Final Fantasy can reach the double digits, why can't an RPG puzzler also have sequels? In a recent interview with the creators of Puzzle Quest, IGN learned that not only were the creators surprised by how quickly the title has sold, but that they are also working on a sequel. Infinite Interactive's CEO Steve Fawkner said: "We have enjoyed creating (and playing) Puzzle Quest so much that I think we wanted to start on a sequel the day the game was released. The right thing to do, though, is to spend some time gathering ideas, discussing new features, and listening to our customers before we dive right in and start work on a sequel. But I can almost guarantee that, barring the most unfortunate Act of God, you haven't seen the last Puzzle/RPG hybrid to come out of Infinite Interactive."

If that still doesn't convince you that a sequel is in the works, Puzzle Quest's publisher D3 also chimed in about a sequel possibility: "Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlords is considered one of D3's key franchises. Absolutely do not count out the possibility of an amazing sequel to this remarkable game."

So what changes would you like to see in this inevitable sequel?

Puzzle Quest is trying to do something different by combining the puzzle and RPG genres. The dangers of trying something new is that it has a high chance of failure. Luckily for those interested in Puzzle Quest, there is a PC demo online now so you can try before you buy. Much like that drug dealer that gives you your first taste free, Infinite Interactive wants you to get hooked on the demo so you rush out to purchase Puzzle Quest. Is this unique game worth your time? After trying the demo, I think this game will be a cult hit for sure. Giving purpose and story to a puzzle game definitely adds to the experience and the art is well done. But luckily for you, the demo will allow you to make up your own mind. What do you think of Puzzle Quest?

[Via Joystiq]

[Update 2: Provided direct link to demo.]
[Update 1: Corrected formatting.]

Infinite Interactive is working on Galactrix a sci-fi set game that blends RPG and strategy and is described as a match-3 puzzle game, played against an opponent. Each puzzle is played against an enemy whether it be AI-controlled or human. There are claims of potentially hundreds of hours of play, though it is unsure how many of those hours are multiplayer. Speaking of multiplayer, it will allow 2-4 possible players with support for downloadable content. Galactrix also features the ability for you to create a persistent pilot that can gain skills and ships as you complete more battles. You can also gain a crew and each battle is only supposed to require 5-10 minutes, which would be ideal for a portable.

Currently Galactrix is being developed on the PC, but a PSP port is planned.

[Via DCEmu]