I was going to start working on the new city map but decided some things needed improving first. So here is the first round of improvements. It includes:

• Free map movement. You can now move your avatar anywhere on the map. This opens up more exploration. I added some objects that can be picked up if you can find them.
• Predesigned levels. This opens up more variation for the puzzle boards and the ability to design more challenging stages. Along with this I added some new gem behaviors like gems that are stationary (don't drop, can't be matched etc..). These can act like walls or soccer nets that can only be removed with matching soccer balls.

• A new location. My son really thought I should add mining so I added a copper mine. There will be more metals and gems to mine in the future at other locations! I also had to do a bit of graphics work to get the mountains into the tileset. Hope it doesn't look too ugly!I am looking to update the game more frequently and work towards something I can be happy with deploying as an early release to the Apple App Store. That milestone will be reached when I add the City map. Until I get to that point my goal for the next update will be:

• Add crafting. I want to do things like make the cost of mining levels something like a Miner's Kit. That would be crafted from items like batteries/flashlight, pickaxes and food.
• Add an additional bonus mechanic. This might be something like a powerup that happens after collecting a certain amount of specific gems, triggered by matching special gems or using special items. In the future they could be triggered by unlocking skills based on your trophy shelf configuration.
• Experiment with a match AI. For my strategy/rpg puzzle variant I will probably need an opponent AI. I plan to start working on an early version of it and might put it into Puzzle Crossing. Initially this might just be in the form of the next move hint. If I go further in the future, it might be things like having an NPC challenge you and it would entail a new VS game mode. That is further out though and might not happen. With the free map movement the game is now becoming a little less casual. ;)

I hope you enjoy this release and as always, feedback is welcome! Don't forget there is an IOS beta version available. See the main page for details.