Unlike earlier versions, you can make matches while other gems are still falling, allowing for much faster, "active" gameplay. Eight Ways to Play

The fundamental goal remains unchanged: swap two adjacent gems on an 8x8 grid to create a row or column of three or more identical jewels. However, Bejeweled 3 introduced several mechanical refinements:

Creating matches of 4 or 5 gems generates powerful items like Flame Gems (explodes), Star Gems (zaps rows and columns), and the iconic Hypercube (clears all gems of a specific color).

One of the game's greatest strengths is its variety. It features four standard modes and four "secret" unlockable modes: Bejeweled 3: 100% Achievements Guide - Steam Community

Matching 6 gems—often through cascading drops—creates the rare and devastating Supernova Gem .