Reviewing games for a living can seem like a dream job, but it comes with its own set of challenges. Imagine being so engrossed in a game that your writing is constantly interrupted by the urge to play just one more round. Or finding yourself only able to work while waiting for the timer to replenish your lives. It's a real struggle.
Triple Match, developed by Boombox Games, is a prime example of this issue. While it's not the first casual match-three mobile game to put reviewers in this bind, it's certainly one of the most compelling. Boombox Games is known for creating polished casual puzzles, and Triple Match both feels familiar and offers a fresh twist. Although the core free-to-play mechanics are well-trodden, the gameplay itself is unique.
Invented a Sub-genre
Triple Match could be seen as pioneering a new sub-genre, having amassed 20 million downloads across iOS and Android since its April 2022 launch, according to SensorTower. Its influence is evident in subsequent titles like Peak's Match Factory, released 18 months later.
Let's dive into the familiar aspects first. In Triple Match, you tackle puzzle stages against the clock, using power-ups and boosts to enhance your chances when the going gets tough. Completing stages earns you coins, which you can spend on boosts, power-ups, extra attempts, and even gifts for your teammates. The game features a subtle multiplayer element, allowing you to request lives and make donations.
As you progress through the campaign, you can work towards various goals, such as building your Kyoto Zen Oasis, creating an entire village, unlocking features, and competing in tournaments. So far, it's a typical casual match-three puzzler, but Triple Match distinguishes itself with its innovative gameplay mechanics.
How Do I Play?
Unlike traditional match-three games where you slide objects into alignment, Triple Match presents its matchable items in a chaotic heap. Your task is to clear them by tapping three identical objects in succession.
The screen is filled with a diverse array of items—pianos, notebooks, umbrellas, letters, clouds, cakes, and more. At the bottom of the screen, there's a bar with seven slots. When you tap an object, it moves to this bar, and when three matching objects appear in the bar, they disappear. However, if you fill the bar completely or run out of time, you lose.
Initially, it's simple: just tap on items that look the same. But as you advance, the objects start to look increasingly similar, making it challenging to distinguish between them. Is that a red and yellow rocket or a pair of binoculars? An apple or a tomato? The 3D jumble adds another layer of difficulty, as a '7' might look like an 'I' or a '-' from certain angles.
This setup forces you to make quick decisions under pressure, turning what starts as a straightforward task into a test of nerves, accuracy, and visual acuity. Scattered among the chaos are various boosts, such as a lightning strike to clear three items, a clock for extra time, and other bonus items. Power-ups let you shuffle the board, eject items from your bar, freeze the clock, and instantly match three items.
In Conclusion…
Triple Match can be succinctly described as "Mahjong meets Fruit Ninja." It's an addictive, colorful, and novel take on the match-three genre that penalizes hasty decisions, poor eyesight, and clumsy fingers while rewarding teamwork.
Themed events, such as those for Earth Week or Saving the Reindeer during Christmas, keep the game engaging throughout the year. You can download Triple Match from Google Play and the App Store, with the official site available [ttpp].
A Must For Puzzle Game Fans
For fans of casual free-to-play puzzle games on mobile, Triple Match is a highly recommended addition to your collection.
Overall Rating: 8.1
Graphics: 8
Gameplay: 8.3
Controls: 8
