Bejeweled 3 Announced, Playable December 7

According to PopCap Games, someone purchases a Bejeweled title every 4.3 seconds (via 1UP). A baby is born, according to census data, every 4.2 seconds. This is an issue for PopCap, as there is clearly still Bejeweled sales potential yet to be realized. To that end, the company today announced Bejeweled 3--the first "true" follow-up to Bejeweled 2-- for release this December 7.
  
It appears as if Bejeweled 3 will build almost exclusively on the foundation of Bejeweled 2 (not to be confused with Bejeweled Blitz or Bejeweled Twist) by offering several new modes of play and expanding on the feature set of its predecessor. Of note, this latest gem-dropper-and-swapper will launch with a 40-quest-long "Quest Mode" that features a total of 11 mini-games, all of which are spins (or "clever hybrids") on the core game's cracktastic match-three play.  
 
Excited about the new business? Check this trailer out.
 
  

   
== TEASER == If you've watched the above, you've gotten a taste of what's coming to the Bejeweled franchise as the third game worms its way onto shelves. If you want a list of all that's new, well, I've got your back. Below is a "features" list put out by PopCap. Their words, not mine: 

Classic
Play the most popular puzzle game of the century, with powerful new gems and new ultra-smooth gameplay 

Quest 
Journey through 40 magical puzzles in this multifaceted Bejeweled challenge! 

Zen
Personalize your experience with ambient sounds and binaural beats--a revolutionary new way to relax! 

Lightning
Charge up with a heart-pounding, beat-the-clock bout of gem-blasting fun! 

Secret Games
Unlock 4 all-new games including Butterflies and Ice Storm 

Badges 
Earn up to 65 badges to prove your skills 

High-definition graphics and high-fidelity audio 
Bejeweled is now more dazzling than ever before! 

Bejeweled 3 will be available through PopCap Games' digital store, as well as "major portals" at the positively delightful price of $19.95. There's been no word on an iThing or handheld release of the game just yet, but c'mon. Bejeweled 3 is probably even coming to the Kindle at some point next year. Plus, how else is PopCap going to get every living human being playing this game at the same time?