"Triple Match: A Fresh Take on Puzzle Games

Reviewing games for a living might sound like a dream job, but it comes with its own set of challenges. Imagine trying to write a review while constantly battling the urge to play the game just a bit more. What if you can only focus when you're waiting for the timer 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 easily derail your productivity. While it may not be the first of its kind, it's certainly a standout. Boombox Games is known for crafting polished casual puzzlers, and Triple Match is no exception. It blends the familiar with the innovative, offering a unique twist on the classic match-three formula.

Invented a Sub-genre

Triple Match could be seen as the pioneer of 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 influence is evident, as it has inspired other games like Peak's Match Factory, which followed 18 months later.

Triple Match Gameplay Screenshot 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 stages earns you coins, which you can use to purchase more 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 to others.

As you progress 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 sounds like a typical casual match-three puzzler. However, Triple Match introduces a fresh approach to the core gameplay mechanics.

How Do I Play?

Triple Match Magnet Power-up Triple Match Balloons Triple Match Wind Power-up Unlike traditional match-three games where you slide objects into alignment, 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 objects in succession.

The screen is filled with a vast array of these items, and at the bottom, there's a bar with seven slots. When you tap an item, it moves to this bar. If three identical items appear in the bar, they disappear. However, if you fill the bar completely or run out of time, you lose.

Initially, this seems straightforward—just tap on similar-looking items. But as you advance through the levels, the objects 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 can make a 7 look like an I, a dash, or any number of other shapes.

This forces you to make quick decisions based on limited information, challenging your nerves, accuracy, and eyesight. What starts as a simple pointing exercise evolves into a real test of skill.

Scattered among the items are various boosts to aid you, 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, remove 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, colorful, and innovative addition to the match-three genre that penalizes hasty decisions, poor eyesight, and clumsy fingers while rewarding teamwork.

The game keeps things fresh with themed events throughout the year, such as Earth Week or Saving the Reindeer at Christmas. You can find Triple Match on Google Play and the App Store, with more information available on the game's official site.