Reviewing games for a living might sound like a dream job, but it comes with its own set of challenges. Imagine being so engrossed in a game that you can't stop playing long enough to write about it. Or, finding yourself only able to write while waiting for the game to replenish your lives. It's a real struggle.
Triple Match, developed by Boombox Games, is a prime example of a casual match-three mobile game that can put reviewers in this tricky spot. While it's not the first to do so, it's certainly a notable offender. Boombox Games, known for their polished casual puzzlers, offers something both familiar and refreshingly new with Triple Match. Although the core free-to-play mechanics are well-trodden, the gameplay itself feels unique.
Invented a Sub-genre
Triple Match could be seen as the pioneer of a new sub-genre within match-three games. Since its launch in April 2022, it has amassed an impressive 20 million downloads across iOS and Android, according to SensorTower. Its success has even spurred similar games like Peak’s Match Factory, which debuted 18 months later.
Let's dive into the familiar aspects first. In Triple Match, you'll tackle puzzle stages against the clock, using power-ups and boosts to enhance your performance. Completing stages earns you coins, which you can use to purchase more boosts, power-ups, additional attempts, and even gifts for your teammates. The game includes a subtle multiplayer feature that allows you to request lives and make donations.
As you advance through the campaign, you'll pursue various goals, such as constructing your Kyoto Zen Oasis, building an entire village, unlocking new features, and competing in tournaments. So far, it's standard fare for a casual match-three game. However, Triple Match distinguishes itself with its innovative gameplay mechanics.
How Do I Play?
Unlike traditional match-three games where you slide objects in a grid to align them, Triple Match presents a chaotic pile of objects – pianos, notebooks, umbrellas, letters, clouds, cakes, and more. Your task is to clear these items by tapping three identical ones in succession. A bar at the bottom of the screen holds seven slots, and each tapped object moves to this bar. When three matching items appear in the bar, they disappear. However, if the bar fills up completely or you run out of time, you lose.
Initially, the game seems straightforward – just tap on similar items. But as you progress, the objects start to resemble each other more closely. Is that a red and yellow rocket or a pair of binoculars? An apple or a tomato? The 3D jumble can make a '7' look like an 'I', or any number of other shapes. This forces you to make quick decisions under pressure from both the clock and the filling bar, turning what started as a simple game into a challenging test of nerves, precision, and visual acuity.
Scattered among the jumble are various boosts to help you, such as lightning strikes to clear three items, clocks for extra time, and other bonus items. Power-ups allow you to shuffle the playing area, remove items from your bar, freeze the clock, and instantly match three items.
In Conclusion…
The best way to encapsulate Triple Match is to call it "Mahjong meets Fruit Ninja." It's an addictive, colorful, and innovative addition to the match-three genre that penalizes hasty moves, poor eyesight, and clumsy fingers, yet rewards teamwork. Themed events like Earth Week or Saving the Reindeer during Christmas keep the game engaging throughout the year.
Triple Match is available on Google Play and the App Store, and you can visit the game's official site [ttpp] for more information.
A Must For Puzzle Game Fans
If you're a fan of casual free-to-play puzzlers on mobile, Triple Match is a solid choice.
Rating: 8.1
Graphics: 8
Gameplay: 8.3
Controls: 8
