Triple Match Unveiled: Innovative Puzzler Reviewed

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 writing about it becomes a constant battle against the urge to play more. Or finding yourself only able to work effectively during those brief windows when you're waiting for the game to replenish your lives. It's a real struggle.

Triple Match, developed by Boombox Games, is a prime example of this addictive allure. It's not the first casual match-three mobile game to put players in this bind, and it certainly won't be the last. Yet, it stands out as a particularly captivating offender.

Boombox Games, known for their sleek casual puzzlers, has crafted a game that feels both familiar and innovative. While the core free-to-play mechanics are well-trodden, Triple Match introduces a fresh twist that sets it apart from the crowd.

Invented a Sub-genre

Triple Match could be seen as the pioneer of a new sub-genre, having amassed an impressive 20 million downloads across iOS and Android since its April 2022 launch, according to SensorTower. Its influence is evident, as it has inspired titles like Peak's Match Factory, which debuted 18 months later.

Let's delve into the familiar aspects first. Triple Match involves completing puzzle stages against a timer, utilizing power-ups and boosts to enhance your chances when the going gets tough. You earn coins by completing stages, which can be spent on additional 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 advance through the campaign, you'll work towards various objectives, such as constructing your Kyoto Zen Oasis, developing an entire village, unlocking new features, and participating in tournaments.

So far, it's typical of the casual match-three genre. However, Triple Match distinguishes itself with its unique gameplay mechanics.

How Do I Play?

Unlike traditional match-three games where you slide objects in a grid, Triple Match presents a different challenge. The game scatters matchable objects—pianos, notebooks, umbrellas, letters, clouds, cakes, and more—into a large pile. Your task is to clear them by tapping three identical items in succession.

Here's how it works: The screen is filled with a variety of objects, and at the bottom, there's a bar with seven slots. When you tap an object, it moves to this bar. If three matching objects appear in the bar, they disappear. But if the bar fills up completely or you run out of time, you lose.

Initially, this seems straightforward—you just tap on similar-looking items. However, 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 adds to the confusion, making a 7 look like an I or a dash, among other shapes.

This setup forces you to make rapid decisions based on the information at hand, pitting you against both the clock and the bar. What starts as a simple tapping exercise soon becomes a test of nerves, precision, and visual acuity.

Scattered throughout the jumble are various boosts to aid you, such as a lightning strike that clears three items, a clock that grants more time, and an assortment of bonus items. Power-ups allow you to shuffle the play area, eject items from your bar, freeze the clock, and instantly match three items.

In Conclusion…

The most succinct way to describe Triple Match is "Mahjong meets Fruit Ninja." It's an addictive, colorful, and innovative take on the match-three genre that penalizes hasty moves, blurred vision, and clumsy fingers, yet rewards teamwork.

Themed events, like those for Earth Week or Saving the Reindeer during Christmas, keep the game feeling fresh throughout the year.

You can find Triple Match on Google Play and the App Store, with the game's official site [ttpp]here[ttpp].

A Must For Puzzle Game Fans

If you're a fan of casual free-to-play puzzlers on mobile, Triple Match is an easy recommendation.

8.1 Graphics: 8 Gameplay: 8.3 Controls: 8