Triple Match: A Refined Puzzle Game with Innovative Twists

Reviewing games for a living might sound like a dream job, but it has its hidden challenges. What happens when the game is so addictive that it constantly interrupts your writing with irresistible cravings? Or when you can only work effectively while waiting for the game timer to replenish your lives? It's a real struggle.

Triple Match, developed by Boombox Games, is a prime example of such a game. While it's not the first casual match-three mobile game to put reviewers in this bind, it's certainly a standout. Boombox Games, known for their polished casual puzzlers, has crafted a game that feels both familiar and innovative. Though the core free-to-play loop is something you've encountered countless times, Triple Match brings a fresh twist to the genre.

Invented a Sub-genre

Triple Match could be considered the pioneer of a new sub-genre. Since its launch in April 2022, it has amassed 20 million downloads across iOS and Android, according to SensorTower. Its influence is evident in subsequent titles like Peak's Match Factory, which launched 18 months later.

Let's delve 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 teammates. The game features a subtle multiplayer element that allows you to request lives and make donations.

As you advance through the campaign, you can work towards various goals, such as constructing your Kyoto Zen Oasis, building a village, unlocking new features, and competing in tournaments. This is where the game aligns with typical match-three puzzlers.

How Do I Play?

Unlike traditional match-three games where you slide objects into alignment, Triple Match scatters its matchable items in a chaotic pile. Your task is to clear them by tapping three identical objects in succession. The screen is filled with a variety of items—pianos, notebooks, umbrellas, letters, clouds, cakes, and more. At the bottom, a bar with seven slots awaits your selections.

When you tap an object, it moves to the bar. If three identical items appear in the bar, they disappear. However, filling the bar completely or running out of time results in a loss. Initially, it's simple: just tap on similar-looking items. But as you progress, the objects start to look deceptively similar. 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 a dash, complicating your decisions.

This setup transforms what starts as a straightforward tapping game into a test of nerves, accuracy, and vision. Scattered among the chaos are various boosts, like a lightning strike to clear three items, a clock for more time, and other bonus items. Power-ups allow you to shuffle the playing area, eject items from your bar, freeze the clock, and instantly match three items.

In Conclusion…

The best way to describe Triple Match is "Mahjong meets Fruit Ninja." It's an addictive, vibrant, and innovative addition to the match-three genre that penalizes hasty play, poor eyesight, and clumsy fingers but rewards teamwork. Themed events, such as those for Earth Week or Saving the Reindeer during Christmas, keep the game feeling fresh throughout the year.

Triple Match is available on Google Play and the App Store, with more information on the game's official site.

A Must For Puzzle Game Fans

If you enjoy casual free-to-play puzzlers on mobile, Triple Match is an easy recommendation.

Overall Score: 8.1
Graphics: 8
Gameplay: 8.3
Controls: 8