Puzzle & Dragons Z

The Dragmeshia Continent is under attack by a group called Paradox. Paradox is led by Dogma and its sub leaders who are collectively called Genius. They have tamed the elemental Sky Dragons, protectors of Dragmeshia, and are now removing large swathes of land which is creating havoc.

While in the capital Z-City, a rookie dragon tamer and friends Nick and Sarah run into a mysterious creature who they nickname Syrup. After an early run in with Paradox it is shown Syrup has mysterious powers so it is decided Syrup joins up with the rookie and they go an adventure to defeat Paradox.

Puzzle & Dragons Z is a tile-based puzzle game with combat. Before a battle begins players select their team, with a leader, and 4 other creature, plus an ally dragon tamer's creature. While the game uses tile-based matching, the game has a unique orb shifting gameplay element. Players can slide an orb to anywhere on the playfield in order to make a match or a combination of matches. Matching elements the same color as a team member lets that team member attack one enemy. Matching 5 of the same element lets a team member hit an entire group of enemies, If the player makes a large enough combo a Z-orb is created which when used in another combo will inflict more damage.

5 different orb elements exist, with them being balanced against each other. Fire is strong against wood, wood is strong against water, and water is strong against fire Light and dark are the other elements and are strong against each other. There are also heart orbs that when matched heal the party. Each team member also has a skill. Skills can be used after an ability meter is filled.

Defeating enemies earns the players team experience points which will level them up and make them stronger. Also, items can be found while out battling enemies. The player's creatures can be transformed to a stronger version by using these items.