"Triple Match: A Fresh Take on Puzzle Games"

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 it constantly interrupts your writing process. Or finding yourself only productive while waiting for the game to refresh your lives. It's a real struggle.

Triple Match, developed by Boombox Games, is a prime example of a game that can easily consume your time. While it falls into the familiar category of casual match-three mobile games, it introduces a unique twist that sets it apart. Since its launch in April 2022, Triple Match has amassed 20 million downloads across iOS and Android, according to SensorTower, and has even sparked a new sub-genre, inspiring games like Peak’s Match Factory.

At first glance, Triple Match follows the typical match-three formula: you complete puzzle stages against the clock, using power-ups and boosts to enhance your performance. Earning coins from completed stages allows you to purchase more boosts, power-ups, extra attempts, and even gifts for your teammates. The game features a subtle multiplayer component where you can request lives and make donations.

As you advance through the campaign, you'll work towards various objectives, such as constructing a Kyoto Zen Oasis, building an entire village, unlocking features, and competing in tournaments. This is all standard fare for the genre.

But Triple Match differentiates itself with its innovative gameplay mechanics.

Instead of aligning objects in a grid, Triple Match presents a chaotic pile of items—pianos, notebooks, umbrellas, letters, clouds, cakes, and more. Your task is to clear these items by tapping three identical ones in succession. Tapped items move to a bar at the bottom of the screen, which holds seven slots. When three matching items appear in the bar, they disappear. If the bar fills up or time runs out, you lose.

Initially, the game seems simple as you tap on visibly similar objects. However, as you progress, the items 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 adds another layer of complexity, making shapes like a 7 look like an I or a dash.

This forces you to make quick decisions based on limited information, turning what starts as a straightforward task into a challenging test of nerves, accuracy, and eyesight. Scattered among the chaos are various boosts, like a lightning strike to clear three items, a clock to add more time, and other bonus items. Power-ups enable you to shuffle the board, remove items from your bar, freeze time, or instantly match three items.

In essence, Triple Match can be described as "Mahjong meets Fruit Ninja." It's an addictive, vibrant, and innovative addition to the match-three genre, penalizing hasty moves, poor vision, 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. Triple Match is available on Google Play and the App Store, with more information on the official site.

A Must For Puzzle Game Fans

If you enjoy casual free-to-play puzzle games on your mobile device, Triple Match is highly recommended.

8.1 Graphics: 8 Gameplay: 8.3 Controls: 8