Thought Gamepro's teaser image of Puzzle Quest 2 was all we'd be getting until the magazine hit store shelves? Nonsense! Today, D3 has released more information on the game, including several screenshots, the systems it'll release on, and a release window. You know, just enough information to justify freaking out. Ready? 1... 2... FREAK OUT!

If all goes well, which it had better, we'll be matching three gems (confirming the sequel will retail the same puzzle mechanic as the predecessor) this spring on the Xbox Live Arcade and Nintendo DS. This, of course, means D3 is shunning the iPhone, PlayStation Portable, and PlayStation Network, at least at first. They've also confirmed four classes at launch: War Mage, Inquisitor, Barbarian and Assassin, to replace the original four. Other features aren't explained fully, leaving much to be desired from this press release. Then again, all it took was the mere mention of the name for most gamers to soil their underpants, so not knowing about online multiplayer or game length isn't too big of a deal.

There are a few screenshots and some story tidbits in the press release below, which is worth reading for more reasons than to hear about the demon Gorgon. It's stunningly without one mention of Puzzle Quest: Galactrix, proving that, apparently, they were about as disappointed with their game as we were.

  

BE VICTORIOUS WITH PUZZLE QUEST 2 COMING SPRING 2010
CAMBRIDGE – November 30, 2009 – Put yourself closer to the action with a more intimate viewpoint of the gem-studded match-3 video game Puzzle Quest 2, announced today for Xbox LIVE® Arcade for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and Nintendo DS™. Puzzle Quest 2 combines its trademark style with an enhanced real-time experience using all-new weapons, spells, and shields that make every decision meaningful and never passive in the deepest puzzle adventure yet. Named one of GamePro’s “Top Upcoming Sequels of 2010”, Puzzle Quest 2 is scheduled for release in spring 2010 from D3Publisher.

“Puzzle Quest is an award winning franchise with numerous accolades including an Interactive Achievement Award for “Best Downloadable Game of the Year” for Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlords,” said Peter Andrew, vice president of product development, D3P. “Puzzle Quest 2 returns with a captivating, rewarding, and accessible journey for gamers of all levels as the ultimate delivery system for the mental release puzzle gamers seek.”

Puzzle Quest 2 features its hallmark blend of match-3 gem matching and fantasy, with a simple but meaningful role playing experience where players can choose any of four character classes; War Mage, Inquisitor, Barbarian or Assassin. Each character class provides interesting twists during multiple play-throughs as players reclaim the once peaceful village of Verloren from the evil clutch of the demon Gorgon. Players will be able to level up each character to progress through the adventure in Story Mode or even dive into Instant Action, Tournament Mode, or Mutliplayer Mode for a rich and diverse experience. With the entire Puzzle Quest world accessible on your fingertips in real-time action, players will be able to get a more streamlined experience for instant gratification.