Reviewing games for a living can seem like a dream job, but it's not without its hidden challenges. Imagine trying to write a review while constantly battling the urge to play just one more level of an irresistibly addictive game. What if your productivity hinges on waiting for a timer to refresh your lives? It's a real struggle.
Triple Match, developed by Boombox Games, is a prime example of such a game. It's not the first casual match-three mobile game to put us in this bind, and it won't be the last—but it's certainly a standout. While the core free-to-play mechanics might feel familiar, Triple Match introduces a unique twist that sets it apart.
Invented a Sub-genre
Triple Match could be hailed as the pioneer of a new sub-genre within the match-three category. Since its launch in April 2022, it has amassed 20 million downloads across iOS and Android, according to SensorTower. Its success has even spurred similar titles like Peak's Match Factory, which followed 18 months later.
At its core, Triple Match involves completing puzzle stages against the clock, utilizing power-ups and boosts to enhance your performance. As you advance, you earn coins, which you can spend on more boosts, power-ups, extra attempts, and gifts for teammates. The game's subtle multiplayer feature allows you to request lives and make donations, adding a social layer to the experience.
Progressing through the campaign, you'll work towards various goals like building your Kyoto Zen Oasis, constructing an entire village, unlocking new features, and competing in tournaments. So far, it's standard fare for a casual match-three puzzler, but Triple Match innovates with its gameplay mechanics.
How Do I Play?
Unlike traditional match-three games where you slide objects into formation, Triple Match presents a chaotic heap of items—pianos, notebooks, umbrellas, letters, clouds, cakes, and more. Your task is to clear these by tapping three identical objects in succession.
A bar at the bottom of the screen holds seven spaces. When you tap an item, it moves to this bar, and when three matching items appear, they disappear. Fill the bar or run out of time, and you lose.
Initially, it's simple enough—just tap on similar-looking objects. However, as you progress, the items can become confusingly similar. Is that a red and yellow rocket or binoculars? An apple or a tomato? The 3D jumble adds another layer of complexity, making quick, accurate decisions essential.
Scattered among the chaos are various boosts and power-ups, 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 timer, or instantly match three items.
In Conclusion...
Triple Match can best be described as "Mahjong meets Fruit Ninja." It's an addictive, colorful, and innovative take on the match-three genre that penalizes hasty play, blurry vision, and clumsy fingers while rewarding teamwork.
Themed events like Earth Week or Saving the Reindeer during Christmas keep the game fresh throughout the year.
Triple Match is available on Google Play and the App Store, with more information on the game's official site [ttpp].
A Must For Puzzle Game Fans
If you enjoy casual free-to-play puzzle games on mobile, Triple Match comes highly recommended.
Overall Score: 8.1 | Graphics: 8 | Gameplay: 8.3 | Controls: 8
