Around the World in 80 Days - Full Review, Story, Gameplay, Features, and System Requirements (2008)

Q: 2. When was the game released?

The game was released on February 7, 2008 .

Q: 3. What genre does the game belong to?

It is primarily a match-3 puzzle game , with light adventure and story elements.

📝 2365 words | ⏱️ 12 min read | 🗓️ May 28, 2026 | 👤 MaxSao

Around the World in 80 Days

💥A Classic Match-3 Adventure Inspired by Jules Verne’s Legendary Journey

Around the World in 80 Days is a vibrant match‑3 adventure developed and published by Playrix Entertainment, released on February 7, 2008. Inspired by Jules Verne’s timeless novel, the game transforms the iconic journey of Phileas Fogg and his loyal companion Passepartout into a colorful, puzzle‑driven expedition across the globe.

While the original story focuses on exploration, culture, and the thrill of a race against time, this game adapts those themes into a highly engaging puzzle format that blends strategy, speed, and progression. With its polished presentation, charming animations, and escalating challenge, Around the World in 80 Days remains one of the most beloved match‑3 titles in the casual gaming world.

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[ Story Overview ]

The game follows the classic narrative from Jules Verne’s novel:
Phileas Fogg, a refined English gentleman, makes a bold wager that he can travel around the world in just 80 days. Accompanied by his loyal servant Passepartout, he sets off on a whirlwind journey across continents, facing obstacles, delays, and unexpected adventures.

Throughout the game, players travel through:

London – the starting point of the grand wager
Egypt – deserts, pyramids, and ancient mysteries
India – vibrant colors and bustling cities
China – traditional architecture and serene landscapes
Japan – elegance and precision
America – trains, storms, and the final sprint
Back to London – the dramatic conclusion

Each chapter is introduced with illustrated story segments that capture the charm and spirit of Verne’s original tale. The narrative is light but effective, giving players a sense of progression and adventure as they complete puzzles to advance the journey.

[ Gameplay & Features ]

At its core, Around the World in 80 Days is a match-3 puzzle game, but it elevates the formula with clever mechanics, escalating difficulty, and a strong sense of adventure.

Classic Match-3 Mechanics

Players swap adjacent tiles to create matches of three or more identical symbols. Each level requires you to:

break tiles
collect key items
clear obstacles
complete objectives before time runs out

Travel-Based Progression

Every region of the world introduces new:

backgrounds
tile sets
obstacles
story segments

This keeps the experience fresh and visually engaging.

Time Pressure

True to the novel’s theme, many levels include a time limit, adding urgency and excitement. Players must think quickly and plan ahead to avoid running out of time.

Power-Ups & Boosters

As the journey progresses, players unlock helpful tools:

bombs
lightning bolts
tile shufflers
special effects that clear large sections of the board

These become essential in later, more challenging stages.

Challenging Boss Battles

Some levels require collecting pieces of important travel items (ship parts, documents, tools). Completing the puzzle assembles the item and advances the story.

Increasing Difficulty

The game starts gently but becomes progressively more demanding, introducing:

locked tiles
frozen tiles
chained tiles
multi-layered obstacles

This ensures long-term engagement and replayability.

[ Graphics and Visual Style ]

For a 2008 casual game, Around the World in 80 Days is impressively polished.

Visual Highlights

bright, colorful match-3 boards
detailed backgrounds representing each country
smooth animations
charming character illustrations
clean, readable tile designs

The art style is warm and inviting, making the game accessible to players of all ages.

Sound & Music

The soundtrack features:

upbeat, adventurous melodies
region-themed music
satisfying sound effects for matches and power-ups

The audio complements the game’s lighthearted, globe-trotting atmosphere.

[ Conclusion ]

Around the World in 80 Days is a timeless match-3 adventure that successfully blends puzzle gameplay with the charm of Jules Verne’s classic novel. Its colorful visuals, engaging mechanics, and world-traveling progression make it a standout title in the casual gaming genre.

Even after more than a decade, the game remains enjoyable thanks to its polished design, escalating challenge, and satisfying puzzle flow. Whether you’re a fan of match-3 games, classic literature, or simply want a relaxing yet engaging experience, Around the World in 80 Days is a delightful journey worth taking.

→ If you enjoy retro‑inspired adventures, check out our full review of Mina the Hollower

★ Around the World in 80 Days Wallpapers ★

[ 🖥️ PC System Requirements ]

Minimum	Recommended
OS: Windows XP/Vista/7	OS: Windows 7/8/10
CPU: 1.0 GHz	CPU: 1.5 GHz or better
Memory: 512 MB RAM	Memory: 1 GB RAM
Graphics: DirectX 8 compatible	Graphics: DirectX 9 compatible
Storage: 100 MB	Storage: 100 MB

Windows 11 Compatibility Note

Around the World in 80 Days is an older casual game from 2008, but it runs without issues on Windows 11. The game is lightweight, uses simple DirectX 8/9 features, and is fully compatible with modern systems. In rare cases, players may need to run it in compatibility mode (Windows 7), but for most users, the game launches and plays normally on Windows 11.

[ Platforms ✦ Genre Classification ]

Platforms	Genre Classification
PC (Windows)	Match-3 Puzzle
Mac OS	Casual
iOS (older versions)	Adventure (light narrative)
Android (older versions)	Family-Friendly
Nintendo DS (as a separate adaptation)	Puzzle Strategy
The PC version remains the most widely played.