Triple Match: A Refined Puzzle Game with Fresh Innovations

Reviewing games for a living might sound like a dream job, but it comes with its own set of unacknowledged challenges. Imagine trying to write a review while constantly battling the urge to dive back into the game. Or consider working only during those brief moments 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 a casual match-three mobile game that can put reviewers in this tricky situation. While it's not the first to do so, it certainly stands out as a significant offender. Boombox Games, known for their polished casual puzzlers, has crafted a game that feels both familiar and refreshingly new. Though the core free-to-play mechanics are well-trodden territory, Triple Match introduces unique gameplay elements that set it apart.

Invented a Sub-genre

Triple Match could be seen as pioneering a new sub-genre within the match-three category. 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 the creation of similar games, like Peak's Match Factory, which followed 18 months later.

Let's delve into the familiar aspects first. In Triple Match, you tackle puzzle stages against the clock, utilizing power-ups and boosts to enhance your chances of success. Completing these stages earns you coins, which you can then spend on more boosts, power-ups, extra attempts, or 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 goals, such as constructing your Kyoto Zen Oasis, building an entire village, unlocking new features, and competing in tournaments. So far, it's a typical match-three puzzler. 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, 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. A bar at the bottom of the screen holds seven spaces, and each tap transfers an item to this bar. When three matching items appear in the bar, they disappear. However, if the bar fills up or time runs out, you lose.

Initially, the game seems straightforward—you just need to tap on similar-looking items. But as you progress, the items start to resemble each other too 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 forces you to make quick decisions based on limited information, challenging your nerves, accuracy, and eyesight. What starts as a simple tapping game quickly evolves into a demanding test. Scattered among the items are various boosts, such as a lightning strike to clear three items, a clock to add more time, and other bonus items. Power-ups allow you to shuffle the playing area, eject items from your bar, freeze the clock, or instantly match three items.

In Conclusion…

The best way to describe Triple Match is "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 those for Earth Week or Saving the Reindeer at 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 [ttpp].

A Must For Puzzle Game Fans

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

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